Deion Sanders Won't Follow Sons to NFL: 'I'm A Father, Not A Baby Daddy'

Tim Capurso | Apr 28, 2024

Deion Sanders has no plans to follow his sons to the NFL. / Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Speaking at a press conference following Colorado's 2024 spring game, Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders said he has no plans to follow his sons, Shedeur and Shilo, to the NFL.

"I tell them the truth," Sanders said. "I tell them I'm a father, not a baby daddy. I don't follow my kids. I pave roads for my kids. I build generational wealth for my kids. I lead my kids. I don't follow my kids. So, I do not plan on following my kids to the NFL. But I'm thankful, I'm glad that you already pretty much put them in the NFL. That means you believe in them wholeheartedly."

Sanders then reiterated his commitment to Colorado, saying he has "work to do here."

Sanders, who departed from Jackson State for the Colorado head coaching job after leading the Tigers to a 27-6 record in three seasons from 2020-22, helped the Buffaloes become the talk of the sports world. Last season, Colorado raced out of the gate to a 3-0 start, but sputtered to a 4-8 finish.

All the while, chatter that Sanders could leave Boulder for greener pastures, whether it be in the FBS or the NFL, continued to intensify. But the Buffaloes coach has been firm in his stance on NFL coaching, as he flat-out said he was "not going to the NFL" during an appearance on ESPN's First Take in September of 2023.

Sanders then repeated the sentiment during a November 2023 appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show", saying he's "not built for the NFL."

Colorado had 28,424 fans in attendance for their spring game on Saturday. The Buffaloes will open up the 2024 season at home against North Dakota State on August 29.