Colorado wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. is one of the fastest players at his position in the 2025 NFL Draft class. While head coach Deion Sanders lovingly calls him his “No. 1 son,” let’s get to know Horn’s real parents ahead of the big day for the receiver and his family.
Who Are Jimmy Horn Jr.’s Parents?
Horn Jr. was born on Sept. 12, 2002, in Sanford, Florida, to Jimmy Horn Sr. and Kendra Lewis. While not much is publicly known about Lewis, Horn Sr. played a major role in raising the receiver as a single parent.
Horn Sr. played football at Seminole High School and Bethune-Cookman University but didn’t make it to the NFL. Instead, he worked as a truck driver and barber. However, he has been incarcerated since 2021 on drug-related charges. In his absence, Sanders has stepped in as a father figure for Horn Jr. at Colorado.
Before his legal troubles, Horn Sr. was determined to give his son a better life. He was known for being strict but supportive, teaching Horn Jr. the importance of hard work, discipline, and perseverance.
Horn Jr. developed a passion for football, using it as an escape from the challenges of growing up in a tough neighborhood. He is not related to former NFL wide receiver Joe Horn, despite sharing the same last name.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Horn Jr. played football at Seminole High School, where he stood out as a receiver and returner. He also excelled academically, earning a 3.8 GPA and graduating with honors.
Horn Jr. received several scholarship offers and ultimately joined the USF Bulls, spending the first two seasons of his college career there. During his time at USF, he totaled 67 receptions for 959 yards and four receiving touchdowns, plus a kickoff return TD. After his sophomore season, he transferred to Colorado.
Unfortunately, Horn Sr. remains incarcerated and won’t be able to see his son’s NFL dreams come true in person. Still, father and son stay in touch, and Horn Sr. remains proud of his son’s accomplishments, supporting him from afar.
At Colorado, Horn Jr. quickly made an impact and formed a strong bond with Sanders, who mentored him both on and off the field. After Colorado’s 2023 win over TCU, Horn Sr. spoke with Sanders and thanked him for taking care of his son. Sanders even recorded a video advocating for Horn Sr.’s release.
More Than A Coach
Colorado star wideout, Jimmy Horn Jr, whose dad is in prison, asked Coach Prime to walk out with him on Senior Day. Prime also planned to go with Jimmy to visit his dad the next day.
A beautiful thing. #GoBuffs pic.twitter.com/mB2IcvyhX5
— Apex Jones (@ApexJones22)
In his first year with the Buffaloes, Horn Jr. caught 58 passes for 567 yards and six touchdowns. During the 2024 season, he added 37 receptions for 441 yards and one touchdown through 11 games. Now, he’s expected to be a late Day 3 or early Day 4 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.