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Deion Sanders was one of the best players in FSU history before going on to a Hall of Fame career in the NFL. Now, though, he’s denying that Seminole affiliation.
In a Tuesday press conference at Colorado, Coach Prime was asked about his college connection. He said he’s “an HBCU grad,” not a Nole.
The topic came about after a reporter asked him about the recent guests he’s had on campus in Boulder this offseason. Those college football celebs include former Florida coach Urban Meyer and legendary Miami Hurricanes Michael Irvin and Warren Sapp.
The reporter, who was also a graduate of ‘The U,’ said the following in that recent media appearance:
“I’ve got to check you, though, because those Hall of Famers (Irvin and Sapp) were all Hurricanes like myself – and you’re a ‘Nole, my friend.”
Coach Prime checked the reporter right back, denying that FSU association.
“No, no, no, no. Actually, do you know where I graduated from?… I graduated from an HBCU. So, I’m a who? I thought it’s where you graduated from, isn’t it? Why do you keep calling me [a ‘Nole] if it’s not where I graduated from?”
Deion Sanders says he’s not a NOLE he’s a HBCU Grad. pic.twitter.com/gXlgSxqrRV
— NMD Grant (@NMDgrant) August 29, 2023
While Sanders attended Florida State, starring on the football, baseball, and track teams, he earned his degree from Talladega College in Alabama.
Talladega is the oldest HBCU in the state of Alabama, established in 1867. Sanders graduated in 2020 just before taking the head coaching job at another HBCU in Jackson State.
With the Tigers, Coach Prime posted a 27-6 overall record while leading the program to an undefeated regular season in 2022.
Now, he’s set to make his PAC 12 debut with the Colorado Buffaloes after making major waves this offseason. The program is already reaping the benefits of his football stardom, seeing massive exposure from the national media.
Of course, there have been a fair share of haters, too.
Sanders and Co. will kick off their upcoming season on Saturday with a trip to TCU. We’ll see if the Buffs are able to pull the upset in Prime’s first game.