During his time at Colorado, wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. has become more than just a promising football talent — he’s become family to head coach Deion Sanders.
Horn’s emotional journey, marked by resilience and personal sacrifice, reached a powerful moment when Sanders shared a heartfelt letter from Horn’s incarcerated father, Jimmy Horn Sr., publicly recognizing the bond between coach and player.
Deion Sanders Steps In as Father Figure for WR Jimmy Horn Jr.
Horn Jr., who grew up in Sanford, Florida, was raised by his father as a single parent. Horn Sr., a former football player at Seminole High School and Bethune-Cookman University, never made it to the NFL, but he passed down discipline, a strong work ethic, and a love for the game.
Despite later facing drug-related legal issues that landed him behind bars, he remained a key presence in his son’s life.
Though he couldn’t be there in person, Horn Sr. stayed involved from afar. After Colorado’s 2023 win over TCU, he spoke with Sanders to thank him for supporting his son. That support deepened on Colorado’s Senior Day, when Horn Jr. asked Sanders to walk him out in his father’s absence — a gesture that spoke volumes about their connection.
Coach Prime just posted a note sent to him by Jimmy Horn Sr., who is incarcerated but still making an impact on Jimmy Horn Jr.
“When a Florida boy tells another Florida boy he got his son covered we stand on it … prepare a table for big Jimmy when he’s free.”
Via Instagram pic.twitter.com/GEKO6STZNc
— Scott Procter (@ScottProcter_) April 5, 2025
Since transferring from USF to Colorado, Horn Jr. has leaned on Coach Prime not just for football, but for life. Sanders has openly mentored him, stepping into a role that Horn Sr. once held.
Sanders even recorded a video for a judge, advocating for Horn Sr.’s release and sharing how much he believes the elder Horn has changed and deserves a second chance to reunite with his son.
After Senior Day, Horn Jr. and Sanders visited Horn Sr. in prison — an emotional moment that Sanders later described by saying Horn Jr. is “like my kid,” underscoring the depth of their relationship.
‘A Genuine Brother of America’ – Jimmy Horn Sr.’s Emotional Letter to Coach Prime
The story took another touching turn when Sanders shared a letter from Horn Sr. on Instagram. It read: “Thank you for being a Genuine Brother of America… and keeping your word. You’re not just there for my son, you’re there for me too.”
Sanders captioned the post:
“Jimmy Horn Sr. is incarcerated but still having impact on lil Jimmy & me. When a Florida boy tells another Florida boy he got his son covered we stand on it.”
He added, “Always Coach. Love ya man.”
Horn Jr. responded with love in the comments, clearly moved by the public support and emotional exchange.
Despite a quieter season statistically — 37 receptions for 441 yards and one touchdown — Horn Jr. remains a promising NFL prospect. His 4.46-second 40-yard dash and strong interviews at the NFL Combine have helped raise his draft stock. Scouts see him as a potential under-the-radar success story.
Horn’s path to the NFL has been shaped not only by his ability, but by the strength of a father behind bars — and a coach who chose to stand in his place.