Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders has always been known for his flashy style and bold personality. But in his latest Nike collaboration, Sanders shows his softer side with a deeply emotional tribute to the woman who shaped him into the man he is today: his mother, Connie Knight.
Deion Sanders Shares Heartfelt Video Message on Instagram
Sanders recently shared a powerful video on Instagram featuring his collaboration with Nike for the Air DT Max ’96 “Love Letter to Connie” sneakers. In the emotional clip, Coach Prime sits across from his mother, reading what he calls not a letter, but “a testimony.”
“Ma, this ain’t a letter. It’s a testimony. You saw me when they didn’t see me, know me or believe in me,” Sanders says in the video. The Colorado coach reflects on his mother’s sacrifices, asking, “Is that why you never took a day off from work or complained about the job that paid you just enough?”
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The tribute highlights how Knight worked nights as a custodian at Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers, Florida, Monday through Friday. Her dedication meant working while her son slept, then being there when he woke up for school. “You developed a man that saw you work, sacrifice, and love unconditionally,” Sanders continues in his heartfelt message.
Sanders concludes the emotional testimony by saying, “You are a role model of consistency. Thank you, Ma, for just being you. Ain’t no mama like you. I love you, Ma.”
The Nike collaboration features the classic Air DT Max ’96 silhouette with special details honoring Knight’s influence on her son’s life. The sneaker represents more than athletic footwear: it’s a public declaration of love and gratitude from a successful son to the woman who sacrificed everything for his dreams.
The Unbreakable Bond Between Mother and Son
Sanders and Knight’s relationship has been evident ever since he began his coaching career at Colorado. Knight was invited into the locker room of the Buffaloes during the 2023 rivalry game against Colorado State. This put her in the spotlight after Jay Norvell, the opposing coach, made comments that seemed to question the way Sanders was raised.
Mama said kick your ass. #CoachPrime #ColoradoBuffs #ColoradoState #Colorado pic.twitter.com/SU8zpPakxq
— X-Tok (@X_tik_tok) September 17, 2023
With The Rock looking on, Knight delivered an iconic message to the team: “I raised him right! I also told him to always be yourself. If you have to kick ass, kick a**!” The moment went viral and showed the fierce protective bond between mother and son. Colorado fans embraced Knight immediately, seeing where Sanders gets his confidence and authenticity.
Sanders has often spoken about the childhood promise he made to his mother when he was just 7 years old: “Mama, I’m going to be rich one day, and you will never have to work another day in your life.” True to his words, Knight hasn’t worked since 1989. That promise drove Sanders through his Hall of Fame NFL career and continues to motivate him as he builds Colorado’s football program.
The timing of this Nike tribute feels especially meaningful as Sanders enters his third season at Colorado. After transforming the Buffaloes into one of college football’s most talked-about programs, he’s using his platform to honor the woman who made it all possible. Knight’s influence extends beyond Sanders’ athletic achievements to his approach as a father and mentor to his players.