“A child is not a mistake”: Deion Sanders extends support to young fathers playing at Colorado

Deion Sanders is many things to people. A legendary two-sport player, a coach who has transformed two struggling college football programs and a father, among other things.

It is fatherhood that allows Sanders to see things a little differently. Coach Prime has brought most of his family into the Colorado Buffaloes program, with Shedeur Sanders leading the team as their quarterback.

However, there are numerous players on the Buffaloes team that are fathers themselves. Sanders has decided to help these players, who have to balance raising a family with the obligations of attending university and playing college football.

Deion Sanders has partnered with a local bank, which has promised to open accounts for the children of these players and put in an amount of $2,121. This is an obvious nod to the No. 21 Jersey that Sanders wore during his playing career.

When introducing his players to the deal, Sanders said the following:

"You ain’t done nothing wrong. Matter of fact, you did something right. And a child is not a mistake. A child is an opportunity to mature you, grow you, advance you and give you some skills. Y’all know how I am about fathering.”

This initiative might allow these players to worry less about things like money and focus more intensively on football, where one can be set for life if they are able to succeed.

Deion Sanders said that the type of father you are will affect his hiring decisions

Deion Sanders has also used his feelings toward fatherhood aid his hiring decisions. In August 2024, Sanders told the 'Rolling Out' magazine:

“You know I would not hire a coach unless he’s a great father. I don’t hire a coach that’s a deadbeat; I don’t hire a coach that’s not taking care of his responsibilities. I would never hire a man that says he’s going to look after y’all but he won’t look after his. That don’t make sense to me.”

These views may stem from his own experience growing up. His father walked out on his mother when Sanders was just two years old. His stepfather was (according to Sanders) "an alcoholic."

Also, Sanders is a big supporter of being accountable for one's actions and taking responsibility. These are two behaviors that are useful in parenting and on the football field.