Deion Sanders fights back tears in pregame interview at Alamo Bowl

Coach Prime wasn't ready to be out on the field with his sons for a final time

CU Buffs

In a moment that underscored the deep bond between family and football, Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders found himself overcome with emotion ahead of Saturday night’s Alamo Bowl. As Sanders walked his sons, Shilo and Shedeur, onto the field for what could be their final time together as player and coach, the typically charismatic and confident leader was visibly choked up.

In a pregame interview with ABC sideline reporter Taylor McGregor, Sanders struggled to articulate his feelings. “I still have to pull it together and coach,” he said, his voice trembling. The weight of the moment hung heavy, as Sanders reflected on the journey that brought him and his sons to this point.

Deion Sanders was full of emotion after taking the final walk with his sons, Shedeur and Shilo ❤️ pic.twitter.com/PJchjwDKyh

— ESPN (@espn) December 29, 2024

The scene marked the culmination of a shared football odyssey that began in youth leagues and extended through their time at Jackson State, and now Colorado. Coaching his sons through their collegiate careers has been a source of pride for Sanders, but he anticipated the emotional challenge that this final game would bring.

As Colorado prepared to face BYU in the Alamo Bowl, Sanders’ focus remained on guiding his team to their first bowl victory in nearly two decades. The matchup against the Cougars provided a rare postseason meeting between the Buffaloes and a Big 12 opponent, adding an extra layer of significance to the night.

While the game itself carried competitive weight, the deeper narrative centered on family and legacy. For Sanders, this moment transcended football. Watching Shedeur lead the offense and Shilo patrol the defense, he couldn’t help but recognize how fleeting these moments are.

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Win or lose, Saturday’s game symbolized the end of an era for the Sanders family, with Shedeur potentially heading to the NFL and Shilo considering his next steps. For Deion Sanders, the sight of his sons in Colorado uniforms one last time was a reminder of the personal sacrifices and the cherished memories forged through the game they all love.