Sports

Deion Sanders Proves He’s About Much More Than Football With Promise To Star Receiver

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Regardless of what happens in the years to come, Deion Sanders’ stint as the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes is already a massive success. Sanders took the Buffs from 1-11 to 9-3 in a span of two years and brought the school its second ever Heisman Trophy winner in the form of superstar Travis Hunter.

But for Sanders, coaching is as much about the lives of his players off the field as it is the way they play on it. Sure, winning may be the number one goal. But he’s stated time and again how important it is for him to ensure his players are prepared for life after football.

In the latest example of this, Sanders made a deal with starting wide receiver LaJohntay Wester. Wester transferred from Florida International to Colorado prior to this past season and thrived on the field for the Buffs. He hauled in 70 passes for 880 yards and 10 touchdowns, proving to be a big time weapon for QB Shedeur Sanders.

But off the field, things were a bit different. Deion Sanders promised Wester that he could wear No. 1 when he transferred to Colorado. However, when Wester’s grades slipped, Sanders pulled that privilege and instead made him switch to No. 10.

The added motivation seems to have helped.

During practice for Saturday’s Alamo Bowl in Frisco, Texas, Sanders called Wester to the center the circle. He revealed the deal he had made with Wester regarding the No. 1, and pointed out that Wester had the number back for the bowl game. That’s because Wester, as he proudly told the team earned all A’s and B’s in the classroom this past semester.

It was a cool moment and a peak behind the curtain at how Sanders handled his program. He also laid down some serious ground rules for how his team handles itself while in town for the bowl.

Sanders’ style isn’t for everyone. But nobody can say he doesn’t care deeply about the lives of his players.