Colorado head coach Deion Sanders continued emphasizing the importance of fatherhood and mentorship with his players by partnering with Elevations Credit Union. The move helps provide financial support to players on his roster who are becoming new fathers , backing his dedication to their growth on and off the field.
During a team meeting, Sanders , also known as "Coach Prime," invited eight players who are fathers or soon-to-be fathers to join him in front of the entire roster. Each player received a bank account pre-loaded with $2,121, a nod to the No. 21 jersey that he wore throughout his decorated NFL career.
As players like Travis Jay, Brendan Gant, Chidozie Nwankwo, Dayon Hayes, and more took their seats in front of the team, Sanders made sure to note that his players were not in trouble—in fact, they had "done something right."
"A child is not a mistake. A child is an opportunity to mature you, grow you, advance you, and give you some skills," Sanders told the players. The opening statement hit hard, causing offensive guard Tyler Johnson to raise his hand and join his teammates on stage, which earned applause from the group.
Sanders stressed the importance of fatherhood, even attaching it to his philosophy on hiring coaches. "Ya'll know how I am about fathering," he said. "You know I would not hire a coach unless he's a great father. I don't hire coaches that are deadbeats and not taking care of their responsibilities," he continued. "A man that says he would look after y'all but not his own doesn't make sense to me."
Last week, Coach Sanders posted a mysterious tweet that hinted at wanting to work with a bank but did not reveal his intent. The partnership with 5420 Alliance was later announced during the meeting, with a representative informing the players that bank accounts would be opened for their children, with Sanders pledging to "go beyond" the initial financial support.
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Outside of the kind gesture, Sanders has been met with criticism from the press leading up to Colorado's season opener against North Dakota State on Aug. 29. After banning a reporter from asking the program questions at press conferences; Sanders found himself in hot water with the likes of Stephen A. Smith , who considers the Hall of Fame cornerback a friend.
"I've known Deion for years. He's a friend and a brother. Got a lot of love for him., but I do not agree with how he's handled the situation," said Smith. "If you don't want to talk to the reporter, don't talk to the reporter. But to have the program putting out a release announcing that we're not going to take questions as a program from this guy, it's utterly ridiculous."
Sanders took over Colorado's program last season, improving it from its previous 1-11 season. Led by his son Shedeur and Heisman candidate Travis Hunter, the Buffaloes finished the season with a 4-8 and will look to improve after bringing in a fresh set of recruits.
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