Deion Sanders has created an army of supporters with his coaching style and galvanizing the community of Boulder, Colorado. There’ll be a massive influx of fans likely to converge onto Folsom Field on Thursday ahead of the Colorado Buffaloes’ season opener featuring the NFL legend.
But this season opener against North Dakota State will mark the first time Sanders will coach without his longtime soulmate to turn to after the game.
Deion Sanders Had Lengthy Relationship With Tracey Edmonds
The woman once linked to “Coach Prime” is Tracey Edmonds, Sanders’ longtime fiancée.
However, the couple called off their marriage in Dec. 2023 following the head coach’s first season with CU. By opting out of their pending marriage, it ended a five-year engagement between Edmonds and Sanders.
In an Instagram post following the breakup, Edmonds stated her reasonings behind the split.
“I want to clarify that it was my decision to end the relationship, despite any different narratives being presented,” she began.
“I’ve chosen to prioritize myself and my family, moving forward towards a future where I am valued, treated with honesty, and free to embrace the happiness and respect I deserve,” she continued. “I hate to have to respond to the media, but sometimes it’s necessary when the falsehoods get out of control.”
“We have mutually decided that it is best for us to move forward in life AS FRIENDS and have made this decision with love in our hearts, respect for each other, and appreciation for the time we’ve shared together,” Edmonds wrote.
Sanders himself even added a comment to her Instagram page.
“Love u Tracey and You’ve been a true blessing to me. I appreciate the times we’ve shared and the laughs we’ve had. You are an amazing woman and a tremendous mother. God bless u with every endeavor and every step u take. You are HER. Tracey-Mack !!!” Sanders shared.
What Does Edmonds Do for a Living?
Edmonds, 57, is an American businesswoman, television producer, and entertainment personality. Among her credits include being a producer for the BET series College Hill while also co-hosting Extra alongside Mario Lopez.
Edmonds had been romantically linked to Sanders for more than a decade now. The couple officially dated in 2012 before becoming engaged seven years later.
How did the couple meet? According to People Magazine, Sanders attended the film premiere of one of her films. However, they didn’t reconnect until a business meeting put both back together.
The couple owned a ranch residence in Canton, Texas, while also reportedly having places in Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Boulder. The couple’s Texas ranch was featured in the Amazon Prime documentary series that followed Sanders’ final season with Jackson State before accepting the head coaching position at Colorado.
Sanders, though, isn’t the first high-profile soulmate Edmonds has been romantically linked to.
Tracey Edmonds Was Once Married to Grammy Winning Super Producer
Edmonds was once the former Mrs. Babyface.
She was the longtime wife of legendary R&B singer and music producer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. The relationship between her and the R&B mogul became a high-profile one during Babyface’s rise to stardom.
Edmonds was first linked to Babyface in 1992 — around the time the singer became Grammy nominated for his hit “Whip Appeal” and establishing himself as a songwriter for famed R&B acts Bobby Brown and Johnny Gill.
In 1993, Babyface won three Grammys for Producer of the Year, R&B Song of the Year for writing the Boyz II Men hit “End of the Road,” and Album of the Year for putting together The Bodyguard soundtrack starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner.
During the time they were a married couple, Edmonds appeared in two of Babyface’s hit music videos — “And Our Feelings” and “Every Time I Close My Eyes” — the latter featuring guest vocals from multiple Grammy winner Mariah Carey and featuring famed saxophonist Kenny G.
The couple, however, filed for divorce on Jan. 7, 2005. They share two sons named Brandon and Dylan.
Yet, even in between Babyface and Sanders, there was another renowned celebrity Edmonds was linked to.
Eddie Murphy Was Also in Edmonds’ Life
Post Babyface, and before Sanders, Eddie Murphy surfaced in Edmonds’ love life.
The legendary actor and comedian was romantically attached to her in 2007 and includes an engagement. People Magazine wrote that the couple “are both very much in love and are excited about spending the rest of their lives together.”
However, their relationship was additionally described as an intense one. There were reports that the couple even fought during their wedding on a private French Polynesian Island.
They officially parted ways in January 2008. Four years later, Edmonds and “Coach Prime” became an item and are now one of college football’s top power couples.