Florida State's two-sport star — the most electrifying defensive player in college football history.
Deion Luwynn Sanders was born in Fort Myers, Florida in 1967. He attended Florida State University and became a two-sport All-American — in both football and baseball. In football, he was a consensus All-American cornerback who made 14 interceptions and scored 8 touchdowns across his career. He won the Big East Defensive Player of the Year award. His combination of speed — he also competed in track — with exceptional ball skills and coverage ability made him the most electrifying defensive player in college football of his era. His interception returns and punt returns created instant scoring opportunities that changed game momentum. Atlanta Falcons selected him fifth overall in the 1989 NFL Draft. Atlanta Braves also selected him in the 30th round of the 1988 MLB Draft. He went on to become a two-sport professional athlete, appearing in a World Series and two Super Bowls. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. After retirement he became head coach of Jackson State and then Colorado, winning the Big 12 Coach of the Year in 2023. His Florida State career is the launching point for one of sport's most distinctive multi-dimensional athletic careers.
All-American
Career Honours
- All-American
- Big East Defensive Player of Year
- Two-sport All-American (baseball+football)
- First round pick