Decades after his career as a professional football and baseball player, Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Deion Sanders continues to share his experience and guidance with younger athletes. Now coaching the Colorado Buffaloes, Sanders emphasizes the importance of making smart choices both on and off the field.
With college athletes now eligible for lucrative name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, Sanders has been open about the risks that come with new financial opportunities. “We have young men that listen to the wrong advice,” Sanders told Business Insider in an interview through his partnership with California Almonds. “They’re basing things on everything other than the main thing.”
Sanders urges athletes not to select colleges based solely on potential earnings from NIL agreements. He said, “I would attend a university based on staff, based on likability, based on the location that I wanted to be at, and the situation that I think could elevate me to the next level, not solely based on finances.”
Financial discipline is another priority in Sanders’ advice. He cautioned against overspending on luxury items when starting to earn larger amounts. “Get your butt on one of these airlines, man. You don’t need to take a private plane everywhere,” he said. “Early on, let’s focus on your needs, not your wants, because your wants will get you in trouble.”
Long-term health also remains important for Sanders following his own health challenges. The Hall of Famer revealed he was diagnosed with bladder cancer but said he is now cancer-free after surgery. To maintain his wellbeing, he has changed his diet and prioritizes regular physical activity like walking each day after practice.
On handling stress and distractions outside of sports, Sanders offered additional advice: “I keep my peace. I don’t have no fools and no foolishness in my life (…). I eliminate all of that stuff, that mess that causes you stress.” He reflected further by saying: “I’m talking to my kids now and they’re so much farther down the road because they understand making the right decisions (…). I had to find out the hard way.”
As both a coach and parent—two of his children are NFL players—Sanders’ perspective combines personal experience with lessons learned over decades in sports.
