Deion Sanders congratulates Air Force’s Trey Taylor for winning Jim Thorpe award

Taylor becomes the first ever service academy member to receive the honor.

Ron Chenoy, USA Today

Coach Prime always goes out of his way to support the troops.

When Army traveled to Colorado to take on the Air Force Falcons, it was Coach Prime who offered up his facilities to the visiting Black Knights so they could get in proper preparation before the game.

The Air Force Academy, which is about a 90-minute drive from Boulder, will always have a special meaning to Coach Prime. It was there, in Clune Arena, where his daughter Shelomi scored her first basket for Colorado.

So Friday night, when Trey Taylor was awarded the trophy, Sanders was one of the first people online to offer up congratulations.

Awesome! Trey Taylor Jim Thorpe award winner! God is good. pic.twitter.com/BeRBPr1y4T

— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) December 9, 2023

The award is given to the top defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character.

Trey’s reaction on X, “Love from one of the best to ever do it. Be blessed.”

Back in 1988, Deion Sanders won the award. Next year, barring injury, Travis Hunter will be the odds on favorite to win. If Travis Hunter secures the trophy, he’ll join Deon Figures (1992) and Chris Hudson (1994) as the only Buffs to ever win the award.