Deion Sanders, known as “Coach Prime,” has always been in the spotlight, whether as an NFL legend or Colorado’s head coach.
A recent revelation about his contact name for Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones sparked laughs. The nickname came up while discussing a call Sanders received from Jones amid rumors of him replacing Mike McCarthy after Dallas’ disappointing 7-10 season in 2024.
Though intrigued, Sanders declined the opportunity, choosing to honor his commitment to Colorado, where he signed a $54 million deal to continue rebuilding the Buffaloes’ football program.
Deion Sanders’ Funny Contact Name for Jerry Jones Before Colorado’s $54M Deal
During an appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show,” Sanders shared a humorous detail about his relationship with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. When asked how Jones was saved in his phone, Sanders laughed and said, “Direct deposit.” Explaining his reasoning, he added,
“That’s what he’s under. I don’t put anybody up on their real name, so ‘direct deposit.’ That’s what it was years ago,” Sanders said.
Sanders, who played for the Cowboys from 1995 to 1999 and won a Super Bowl with the team, recently turned down an opportunity to become their head coach. After Mike McCarthy’s departure following a 7-10 season in 2024, Sanders was considered a strong candidate. However, he ultimately declined.
“I had a lot of praying to do, praying and weighing,” Sanders said. “I wanted clarity, and wisdom, and understanding.”
Despite the appeal of coaching one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises, Sanders remains committed to Colorado.
“I have every intention, every plan in the world to be coaching for the Colorado Buffs,” Sanders said. “I want to put my flag down in Colorado.”
Jones instead hired Brian Schottenheimer, while Sanders continues leading the Buffaloes, who improved to 9-4 in 2024.
Deion Sanders Lands $54 Million Extension, Becomes Highest-Paid Coach in Big 12
Sanders has signed a five-year, $54 million extension through 2029, positioning him among the highest-paid coaches in college football. His salary will rise from $10 million in 2025 to $12 million by the final year of the deal.
If Sanders leaves early, the buyout starts at $12 million in 2025, decreasing to $3 million by the contract’s final year. However, he can retire without penalty unless he returns to coaching.
KEEP READING: Deion Sanders’ Career Earnings: MLB, NFL & Coaching Contracts Over Time
Since taking over a 1-11 team in 2022, Sanders has led Colorado to 13 wins, including a 9-4 season and an Alamo Bowl appearance in 2024. The Buffaloes attracted 54 million viewers last season, with 8 million watching their 36-14 loss to BYU—the highest-rated game in the bowl’s history.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to continue building something special here at Colorado,” Sanders said.
The university also noted a 20% rise in applications since his arrival.
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