Deion Sanders turns heads with new alter ego
The man who once outran NFL receivers and MLB fastballs is now charging the net—on the tennis court. Deion Sanders, head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, has picked up a new passion, and he’s not doing it quietly.
“I got a new hobby because I’ve got to have something that I can personally compete,” Sanders said in a recent Instagram post. “Give me 6 months and I’m gonna be PRIME BLACKENROE!”
Yes, you read that right. Sanders is learning tennis. And not just for fun—he’s aiming for domination. At 57 years old and down two toes following foot surgery complications, Sanders is proving that retirement from pro sports doesn’t mean retirement from competition.
Sanders posted a selfie courtside, tennis racket in hand, donning his signature confidence and an eye on his next opponent: actor Leon Robinson. Known for roles in Cool Runnings and Above the Rim, Robinson is also apparently a strong tennis player. Deion made the challenge personal: “Leon, I’m coming for you man.”
Buffs fans may be used to Coach Prime’s animated pressers and recruiting flair, but this latest venture shows a more human side: a legendary athlete still looking for the thrill of competition in a new arena.
“I’m working with 8 toes and a lot of pain but baby I’m working,” he added. That trademark grit helped him lead the Buffaloes to a 9-4 season in 2024, a major improvement over the team’s 1–11 campaign in 2022, the season before Coach Prime took over.
The tennis courts may seem like an unusual place to find Coach Prime, but nothing about Sanders’ story has ever followed the norm. Whether leading a college football program or learning to serve and volley, Deion always brings Prime Time energy.
So what’s next? If you’re in Boulder and hear a racket—on or off the court—it might just be Coach Prime chasing another win.
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