Deion Sanders’ use of team prayers and chaplains at Colorado has been labeled “unconstitutional” .
Since arriving at Colorado, Sanders has incorporated faith-based practices into the program’s schedule. The NFL icon is a passionate and dedicated Christian, who preaches faith throughout his lifestyle.
As a result, Sanders often uses prayers and chaplains, such as Pastor E. Dewey Smith, to inspire and educate his team. However, the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) recently sent a letter to the University of Colorado to push back on Sanders’ lean into faith, insisting that using prayers and chaplains following games was unconstitutional.
According to the foundation, having a spiritual advisor lead prayer with the team at a public institution is a form of religious coercion. The practice violates the rights of players and staff members who may not share the same beliefs.
Sanders has clashed with FFRF before. When he joined Colorado ahead of the 2023 college football season, the FFRF spoke out against his open display of faith with his team, leading to the university bestowing additional training on the boundaries of religious expression in public institutions on Sanders.
Undeterred, the 57-year-old continues to parade his beliefs, regularly sharing faith-based messages on social media and engaging in team prayers as religion remains a key part of his leadership methods. Another organization, First Liberty Institute, has risen to defend Sanders.
In a letter to the university, First Liberty argues that the FFRF is incorrectly applying the law and that Sanders’ actions are protected under the tradition of public prayer, which dates back to the founding of the country. The body points to the precedent of chaplain programs in public spaces - including locker rooms - that is embedded within America's religious culture.
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It will be interesting to see how the University of Colorado reacts, but Sanders is unlikely to alter his approach even as tension regarding religious expression in public and private places simmers. Back in 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of a high school football coach who prayed on the field after games, deciding his actions were a form of private expression - but Sanders’ case is different, as it involves praying in the locker room with the team leading to questions over coerced participation.
Sanders is considered one of the best athletes in sports history after sensationally starring in both the NFL and MLB during his playing days. He was brought to Colorado to turn the program around, and in his first season last year, the Buffaloes slipped to a 4-8 record after a hot start.
This time around, a win over North Dakota State to open the 2024 season was followed by a tough 28-10 defeat to Nebraska. Colorado rebounded, crushing Colorado State and UCF either side of the overtime win against Baylor before their 31-28 defeat to No. 17 Kansas State .
Sanders’ 4-2 Colorado is next in action versus 3-3 Arizona on Saturday, Oct. 19.
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