Over the last four years, Deion Sanders has lived out a dream that many fathers have.
He got to coach his children at a major college football program and watch two of those children, quarterback Shedeur Sanders and defensive back Shilo Sanders, transition from high schoolers into professionals.
The brothers both declared for the draft after the 2024 season, and it has been tough sledding for all three parties.
What Happened to Deion Sanders’ Family?
Deion Sanders took over as head coach of Jackson State in 2020 and posted an impressive 27-6 record before taking over as head coach of Colorado in 2023. His first season was poor, as the Buffaloes went just 4-8. However, they greatly improved after going just 1-11 in 2022. Colorado went 9-4 in 2024 and was one of the most improved teams in the nation.
Sanders was rewarded with a five-year, $54 million contract extension.
Unfortunately, without his sons on the field, Sanders’ Buffaloes are just 3-5 so far this season.
Shilo Sanders initially played for the South Carolina Gamecocks over the 2019 and 2020 seasons before joining his father at Jackson State and Colorado. Sanders went undrafted in 2025 and spent the preseason with the Tampa Buccaneers. His stint was marred by controversy as Sanders was ejected for unnecessary roughness after punching Buffalo Bills tight end Zach Davidson following a play.
Sanders was waived as part of the Bucs’ final roster cuts.
For much of the draft cycle, many viewed Shedeur Sanders as a likely first-round pick after he put up massive numbers for the Buffaloes. In the 2024 season, Sanders completed 74.0% of his passes for 4,134 yards with 37 touchdowns. He found four more scores on the ground. In his college career, he posted a 36-14 record, completing 1,263-of-1,808 passes for over 14,000 yards with 134 touchdowns passing, 17 rushing, and 27 interceptions.
Sanders’ draft day did not go as planned. He plummeted and wasn’t selected until the Cleveland Browns took him in the fifth round (144th overall). He is currently the backup to fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel.
Despite these issues, the Sanders family has tried to keep their spirits high, and at least one of them still has their sense of humor.
Shilo Sanders Acknowledges His Father, Deion, is the ‘Cheapest’
While at ComplexCon, Shilo Sanders was asked whose dad is the “cheapest out of both of us,” and Sanders did not hesitate to answer.
“Mine,” Sanders said. “Mine.
“I wasn’t even thinking about no Jordans growing up,” Sanders replied when asked if growing up with a famous father included perks like the newest Jordans. “It was straight Under Armour, bro. Cause it was free. Cause it was free.”
Sanders added that they got to go to Red Lobster or Golden Corral.
He also had a few other jokes when he saw the brand Wasted Talent.
“I would look good in this stuff,” Sanders joked. “I have a lot of wasted talent.”
Sanders is referencing that he is not on an NFL roster despite showing flashes during his college career. It’s good to see Sanders, who has made his share of mistakes, in high spirits. The Sanders family is struggling without each other for the first time since 2020, but there’s time to rewrite the narrative.
