Now that Deion Sanders’ time with Jackson State University (JSU) has come to an end, let’s take a look at some of the impact and the numbers.
My people perish for lack of knowledge! Let’s Stop talking recklessly about things we don’t know. We’re killing others with our words. Develop & perfect your dreams & gifts. Your success is up to u & nobody else. His or her blessing aint yours. God ain’t confused.#CoachPrime
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) December 16, 2022
The Controversial Decision
According to Boardroom, Sanders’ decision to part ways with the institution to accept a coaching position with the University of Colorado has been met with lots of criticism. In a previous interview, Sanders responded to the claim that his conclusion was based on money.
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“To even fathom the fact that I would do something for money… that blows my mind,” he said. “When I’m reaching in my pocket paying for stuff, did I do that for money? Money don’t move me, I move money.”
Why Did He Do It?
“The things that I want to accomplish, I can’t do it by just being a darn football coach and winning games. It is so much more that I can’t do because that is not my occupation,” said Sanders of his decision to step down as head coach. “I’m a football coach and a darn good one and name one thing that we haven’t accomplished that I said we would, but until we address these underlying issues that nobody wants to talk about ain’t nothing gon’ change. Football yes, but what else is gon’ change? And I’m a change agent. That is what it’s all about to me.”
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How It All Started
Sanders first accepted the role as the head football coach at JSU in 2020.
Since then, he’s led the team to two consecutive Celebration Bowl appearances and its first undefeated regular season in the school’s history.
“I was called by God to come here and provoke change,” said Sanders in a previous clip shared to his Twitter after first accepting the position. “I love it. I enjoy it. It is a tremendous challenge. It is a tremendous undertaking, but I am the man for the job. I love the environment and the atmosphere. I have four kids that go here now.”
His Contributions To JSU
Over the past two years, Sanders did more than just win football games. During his time at JSU, the school opened a new football facility, received a locker room upgrade, and several players were able to snag name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals.
According to Boardroom, a spokesperson for the HBCU also said that under Sanders’ leadership, as of April 2021, JSU generated an estimated $185 million “in advertising value and exposure to the university.”
Sanders became the head football coach on Sept. 21, 2020, which means he was able to help the school in that area within about six months.
