There has been speculation for years about whether Deion Sanders will make the jump to the NFL from college football. But “Coach Prime” put the rumors to rest during a November 2023 appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show.”
Sanders didn’t hold back when asked about why he thinks he will not be a candidate to coach in the NFL. He cited his “hard-core” approach to the game and no-nonsense attitude about players not giving him 100 percent.
“I don’t think I’m built for the NFL,” Sanders stated matter-of-factly.
“I don’t think so, because I appreciate the game so much, and I respect the game so much for what it has consistently done for me for a multitude of years,” he added.
The former NFL superstar and current college coach expanded on his concerns about professional players making enormous sums of money and not working hard. Sanders was clear that if he was a coach and experienced that, it would create great problems for him.
“When I see a guy getting paid millions and millions of dollars and he has no respect for the game, does not want to excel and exceed expectations in the game, I’m going to have a true problem,” he explained.
Deion Sanders Explains Why Money Corrupts Football Passion
The Hall of Famer’s comments stated his disdain for the notion that providing “financial security” can kill a player’s hunger and passion. He explained that money can tamp down a player’s purpose and focus in a game that should be driven by respect and focus.
“I need everybody that respects the game, and oftentimes, money clouds that judgment,” he continued. “That is happening in college football; money clouds that love and that passion for the game.”
Sanders clearly articulated how his coaching mindset is at odds with certain NFL mindsets. In a hypothetical situation, Sanders showed just how seriously he views commitment from players and respect for the game.
“I’m the kind of coach that would go out there with 53 players and come back at halftime with about 32, because I can’t do it,” Sanders said. “I’m too brutally honest, and I want to win that much.”
Sanders’ health issues in 2025, highlighted by his successful fight against bladder cancer, have only deepened his resolve to seize all his coaching chances. The same understanding of what matters most in football continues to steer his work with the Colorado Buffaloes in the 2025 season.
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