By Reginald Williams,
Special to the AFRO
When Travis Hunter, the top high school recruit in the class of 2022, committed to the Jackson State Tigers last year, Deion Sanders knew the decision would shock the college football world. The decision would undoubtedly enhance the fortunes for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) football.
Sanders, the third-year head coach at Jackson State University (JSU), told the Jackson (Miss.) Clarion Ledger that it’s “normal” for recruits like Hunter to choose a Power 5 school, “but when a big-time recruit chooses to go to Jackson State, they change the trajectory for so many other kids.”
Less than a year later, 348 days to be exact, when presented with the opportunity to make the same decision that Hunter made, Sanders chose the big-time school. He’s taking his talents to the University of Colorado (Buffaloes). According to CBS News Colorado, the Buffaloes offered the “It Must Be The Money” former rapper, a deal worth greater than $5 million per year.
The Denver Post details a five- year $29.5 million offer sheet that includes $5 million for the head coach’s staff.
Sitting in a victorious locker room after defeating Southern University 43-24 in the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) Championship game, Sanders announced to his team that he accepted Colorado’s offer.
“I like for y’all to hear it from me and not anyone else. It is what it is,” Sanders explained. “Either in coaching, you get elevated, or you get terminated. Ain’t no other way. It ain’t no graveyard for coaches where they die at the place. It don’t work like that. They’re either gonna run you off, or you’re gonna walk off under your own recognizance. I’ve chosen to accept the job elsewhere next year.”
Sanders arrived at JSU in September 2020. Coach Prime, as he is infectiously called, replaced John Hendrick, who finished the 2019 campaign with a 4-8 record. The Tigers’ last winning season was 2013. Sanders won 84.3 percent of his games. He compiled a 27-5 record, winning back-to-back SWAC championships. This year’s undefeated season is the first in the school’s history.
On Dec. 17 his Tigers will play against North Carolina Central University in the Cricket Celebration Bowl. The eighth annual game pits the SWAC champion against the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference) champion.
With one game remaining, Coach Prime told his players that he would be with them until the end.
“I’m going to finish what we started,” Sanders said. “We’re going to dominate. I’m going to be here until that end, and with that conclusion, we will move on.” Jackson State enters this year’s bowl prepared to keep their unblemished record spotless. Additionally, they are seeking retribution for last year’s 31-10 defeat at the hands of South Carolina State.
As the rumors persisted and eventually confirmed about Coach Sanders’ move to a Power 5 school, defenders and antagonists shared their unyielding positions. Opinions that Sanders “pimped” Jackson State or he was a “money chaser” were prevalent. Sanders addressed those views.
“It ain’t about a bag. I’ve been making money a long time—you know I ain’t nowhere near broke. But it is about an opportunity,” Sanders said. “I’ve always felt if you dominate your opportunity and treat people right—the bag will always come. I never chase the bag. The bag always chases me.”
Sanders donated half his salary—reported to be $1.2 million over four years—to fund facility improvements.
Jackson State University National Alumni Association, released an official statement detailing their appreciation of Sanders’ time at JSU.
“The JSUNAA thanks Deion ‘Coach Prime’ Sanders for all he has done for JSU, the city of Jackson, the state of Mississippi and all HBCUs! Your investment, love, and hard work created a movement that has propelled our alma mater into new heights and has cemented you as another JSU legend. We wish you well in all that you do.”
A university spokesperson estimated that Sanders’ presence generated the equivalent of $185 million in advertisement and exposure.
In addition to his detractors, were a fair share of supporters. Comedian and former WKYS-93.9 radio personality Lamont King (Lazee Lamont) believes Sanders personified Black excellence during his tenure in Jackson, Miss.
“He built a winning program, expanded his brand, shook up the industry, made some people mad, changed some people’s lives, led by example, proved it could be done, and—did it all in a relatively short amount of time,” explained the Bowie State graduate. “Now he can continue to expose the differences in programs. And he will probably scale up his earning potential by 10 x. Ain’t that what they teach you in business school? Sounds like the blueprint to me. Kudos. He opened the door. Now it’s somebody else’s turn to step up.”
Several JSU coaches, currently earning approximately $30,000, will join Sanders and see an income boost.
No matter Sanders’ reasons for elevating, many believe a Power 5 offer to Sanders is an opportunity more nuanced than just football.
“Deion leaving the SWAC restores order in the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision). That’s what integration does, ” Charles L. Oglesby, investor and entrepreneur, said. “It removes your leaders from your community and gives them a token spot in theirs. In turn, they end a movement and retain control. “
When Sanders met with his new players for the first time, he made it clear that he was coming to Colorado to shake up things and return them to their prominence. Sanders repeatedly told the players, “I’m Coming.” Colorado’s record for the past two seasons is 5-19.
“This is my job, and my occupation, and my business, and my dream is to bring you back to where you know you belong,” said Sanders.
In his introductory press conference, Sanders voiced excitement. “This is unbelievable. It’s funny how God always takes me to the unthinkable and provokes me to do the things people wouldn’t fathom doing. I never would have thought at this time last year, when I was laying up in the hospital dealing with these blood clots, getting two toes amputated, and the side of my leg cut out, that I would be in Colorado. “
Before the start of Saturday’s game, Coach Prime was spotted in an intense conversation with Hunter. As he attempted to leave, Hunter grabbed Sanders and tightly embraced him. There is speculation that Hunter will join Sanders in Colorado. Shedeur Sanders, Sanders’ son, said he will follow his dad to Boulder, Colo.
Reginald Williams, the author of “A Marginalized Voice: Devalued, Dismissed, Disenfranchised & Demonized” writes on Black men and Holistic Health concerns. Please email bookreggie@reginaldwilliams.org or visit amvonlinestore.com for more information.
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