After exchanging barbs on social media, former All-Pro cornerback Asante Samuel and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders decided to end their differences. And naturally, they did it the same way it started—online.
Social media spreads everything fast, especially regarding athletes and their rivalries. In this case, a former New England standout and an NFL legend are arguing over a comment that struck a nerve.
Deion Sanders and Asante Samuel Settled Feud During Podcast Visit
Sanders has been in the spotlight since his Florida State days. Samuel isn’t new to it either. Both men possess an inordinate amount of pride and take pride in what they’ve done on the football field (as well as the baseball diamond in Sanders’ case).
Sanders, regarded by many as the greatest cover corner in NFL history, wrote the book on how to affect the game in various aspects. On the other hand, Samuel played 11 years, picking off 51 passes while winning two Super Bowls.
The drama started after Sanders said in an old NFL Network interview that Samuel was the best “off corner” in the league at the time. He meant it as a compliment, but Samuel didn’t take it that way.
That’s because “off corner” can come across like saying a player avoids covering top receivers. Sanders pointed out that Samuel didn’t always follow the other team’s No. 1 wideout. Instead, he usually stayed on one side of the field.
Samuel took that as disrespect. So when Sanders appeared on his podcast, “Said What Needs to Be Said”, the two talked it out.
Coach Prime & Asante Address The Issue 💯
Link in bio pic.twitter.com/Q20KbfOMWt
— Asante Samuel (@pick_six22) May 31, 2025
“I was working for NFL Network, and they asked me who were the top corners in the game. I hate to do that. I think this was the first and last time I ever gave a ranking. Then, I said, ‘Asante Samuel is the best off-corner in the game, and you didn’t want that. What was wrong with that? What I would’ve wished you did, I wish you would have traveled, wished you would have took the dog (best opposing receiver).”
In essence, both men make sense. To earn a top ranking, you must constantly line up against the best. Teams negated Samuel’s impact by moving their best wideout away from him. Sanders rightfully made the point that all of the great corners play everywhere.
Yet, in Samuel’s defense, he played the scheme that his team employed. Under no circumstances could he have told Bill Belichick that he wanted to change the scheme and trail the top wideout on the field.
In the end, they came to an understanding. They agreed to move on with mutual respect.