Deion Sanders, famously known as “Coach Prime,” has long prioritized guiding young athletes. His bond with Colorado wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. stems from a vow he made to Horn’s father, who was incarcerated in 2021 on drug-related charges. Sanders assured Horn’s father he would look after his son during recruitment.
Though Horn initially chose South Florida, he transferred to Colorado in 2023, where Sanders upheld his promise. Their relationship deepened, with Sanders providing unwavering mentorship and emotional support. Rich Eisen highlighted how Sanders’ experiences with his father shaped his dedication to players like Horn Jr.
Rich Eisen Reveals Deion Sanders’ Personal Mission to Help Jimmy Horn Jr.
Sanders has built a reputation not just as a coach but as a mentor. This role has been especially evident in his relationship with Horn Jr. During The Rich Eisen Show, Eisen detailed Sanders’ unwavering commitment to his players, sharing how he stepped in as a father figure for Horn Jr., whose father has been incarcerated since 2021.
“Kids like Jimmy Horn, whose dad is incarcerated, and Deion goes to the prison… and walks him out on senior day because his dad’s not there. He’s a surrogate father,” Eisen said.
For Sanders, this role is personal. Eisen recalled a conversation where Sanders revealed,
“The first time I ever saw a grown man shave was in college,” highlighting the absence of a father figure in his own life.
His experiences shaped his commitment to mentoring young men who face similar struggles. The bond he has built with Horn Jr. directly reflects that mission. Beyond his impact on individual players, Sanders’ leadership at Colorado has been nothing short of transformative.
Eisen addressed the skepticism Sanders initially faced. Many believed his coaching career was simply a “vanity project.” Critics doubted whether he would sustain success, yet he has proven them wrong.
“It wasn’t going to be something that he was going to keep up with,” Eisen noted.
With a five-year, $54 million extension, Sanders has cemented his future with the Buffaloes. Eisen emphasized that Sanders is the perfect coach for the modern NIL and transfer portal era, allowing him to rebuild rosters rapidly.
“Congratulations, Prime… 10 million a year, well earned,” Eisen said, acknowledging Sanders’ well-deserved success.
KEEP READING: Colorado WR Jimmy Horn Jr. Reveals How Deion Sanders Became Family on Senior Day
More than just a coach, Sanders continues to redefine his role, ensuring his players succeed in life as well as in football.
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