Deion Sanders and Asante Samuel have been involved in a social media beef, with Samuel pushing back on how his NFL legacy stacks up to Sanders’. The former Patriots and Eagles star has been making the case that his career deserves to be in the same conversation — if not ahead of — Sanders, who’s widely regarded as the GOAT cornerback.
Samuel hasn’t been shy about voicing that opinion, and naturally, it’s sparked a ton of backlash from fans online. But one notable voice came to Samuel’s defense: Cowboys legend Dez Bryant.
Dez Bryant Defends Asante Samuel’s Legacy, Calls for Respect in GOAT Debate
Bryant made it clear that he disagrees with fans trying to tear down Samuel’s legacy just because of his strong take. While most people automatically put Sanders at the top of the all-time cornerback list, Bryant wants folks to stop using opinions to discredit what players did on the field.
“I’m not about to continue to allow people to discredit Asante Samuel as if he’s not top 5 all time… this man literally changed the trajectory of the game whenever he played. Prime is Prime, that’s understood, but let’s keep it G,” Bryant said on X.
Samuel was one of the top ballhawks of his era, and Bryant believes that deserves recognition — regardless of how fans feel about Samuel’s recent comments. He praised Samuel’s instincts and impact on the game, calling him a top-five cornerback of all time.
I'm not about to continue to allow people to discredit Asante Samuel as if he's not top 5 all time… this man literally changed the trajectory of the game whenever he played. Prime is Prime, that's understood, but let's keep it G. https://t.co/WDx32Mx37J
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) March 31, 2025
Sanders, on the other hand, is universally seen as the gold standard at the position. His name always comes up when the “best cornerback ever” debate happens, and Bryant acknowledges that too. Still, he’s asking for the conversation to be more respectful to both players and what they brought to the game.
Sanders Has Accolades, but Samuel’s Impact Can’t Be Ignored
There’s no denying that Sanders’ résumé speaks for itself. He’s in the Hall of Fame, won Defensive Player of the Year, made six First-Team All-Pro teams, and was selected to eight Pro Bowls. Samuel, while accomplished, has just one First-Team All-Pro nod and four Pro Bowl selections.
Both corners won two Super Bowls during their careers. Sanders also finished with 53 career interceptions — just two more than Samuel — but did so across three more seasons. Statistically, Sanders has the edge. But Bryant’s point is less about numbers and more about impact.
Samuel’s confidence in his legacy might rub some people the wrong way, but Bryant believes dismissing him because of his opinions is unfair. In his eyes, both Sanders and Samuel are deserving of praise. And if we’re talking about the best corners ever to do it, Bryant says both names better be in the conversation.