Just in time for Mother’s Day 2025, Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders is honoring the woman who shaped his life—his mother, Connie Knight—with a special edition of his iconic Nike sneaker.
Dubbed the “Love Letter to Connie,” the all-red Nike Air DT Max ’96 blends heartfelt tribute with bold ’90s nostalgia.
Sanders Honors Mother with Heartfelt Nike Sneaker Release
The brightly colored sneaker has a white swoosh, strong reds, and insoles that say “Love You Mom.” The shoe is more than just a fashion statement; it represents appreciation, heritage, and unwavering love—all of which are fundamental to Sanders’ life and work.
Coach Prime and his Mom Debut the New Nike Air DT Max’ 96 Colorway 🔥
He dedicated this Shoe to her and they’re called the “Love Letter to Connie” ❤️
📷 : @DeionSanders pic.twitter.com/ODZBqwMp8K
— We Coming 🦬 (@SkoBuffsGoBuffs) May 6, 2025
Sanders has never been shy about honoring his mother. In his 2011 Hall of Fame speech, he remembered a childhood vow:
“I said, ‘Mama, because I was tired of seeing her go to work and come home all tired, I said I’m going to be rich one day. Mama, I’m going to make a lot of money, and you will never have to work another day of your life.’”
That promise was kept—Connie Knight hasn’t worked since 1989.
Sanders announced the sneaker on Instagram with a simple, powerful caption:
“My Mama Has shoes!”
Before a 2023 rivalry game against Colorado State, Sanders introduced his mother to the Colorado community, something Buffs supporters may remember. Sanders brought his mother into the public eye after remarks made by CSU head coach Jay Norvell that he took personally.
Her remarks to the Buffaloes locker room went down in history:
“I always told him to be yourself, but if you have to kick ass, kick ass!”
Throughout his coaching journey, San͏ders͏ has consistently credited his mother ͏for instilling ͏discipline ͏and ͏work ethic. His recent Instagram post featured heartfelt photos of ͏him and Connie ͏proudly wearing the ͏new sneakers, reinforcing her enduring influence ͏on his life.
The “Love Letter to Co͏nnie”͏ is the latest release of the Nike Air Diamond Turf Max ’96͏, a model ͏that rose to fame during Sanders’͏ prime͏ years as a dual͏-sport athlete. ͏These sneakers once defined a generation with their blend of flash and performance, becoming a staple on fields and playgrounds across the country.
Although the “University Red” and “Red Crush” colorway might seem bold in Boulder—where red is typically avoided due to the rivalry with Nebraska—fans can wear them proudly this year, as no matchup with the Cornhuskers is on the 2025 schedule.
On May 7, 2025, the Nike Air Diamond Turf Max ’96 “Love Letter to Connie” will go on sale for $170 at a few stores. On May 9, 2025, a broader rollout will take place via SNKRS.
With this release, Deion Sanders lets fans walk in his story—literally. It’s a quiet, heartfelt thank-you from a son to the mother who helped shape “Coach Prime” into the icon he is today.