Colorado coach Deion Sanders, affectionately known as Coach Prime, has not only made waves in college football but has also brought his family into the spotlight. His sons, Deion Sanders Jr., Shilo, and Shedeur Sanders, have seen their careers flourish under his guidance, while his daughters, Shelomi and Deiondra, remain an integral part of his life. Coach Prime’s influence extends beyond the football field, as he navigates the challenges of parenting in a world filled with opportunities and obstacles.
Parenting philosophy: Raising ‘dogs’ not ‘cats’
During an engaging appearance on the “25 Whistles Sports Show” during Super Bowl weekend, Coach Prime shared insights into his unique parenting style. He emphasized the importance of instilling resilience in his children.
“Values mean they’re dogs,” Coach Prime stated. “Because most of us are raising cats, not dogs. What I mean by that is, your circumstances and my circumstances and the way we came up without and what we saw and what we witnessed and what scarred us and what prepared us and kept us and compelled us to get to the next level, that’s our story. Now, when we get to be parents, we wanna chaperone our kids and we don’t want them to go through that but we want them to be a dog.”
This philosophy underscores his belief that children must learn to face adversity head-on. He elaborated on this idea, explaining that shielding kids from life’s challenges can hinder their growth.
“But we’re raising cats. So, you gotta make sure you take that cat over to places that they can be a dog. Because they can’t always be a cat because now when something trial and tribulation hits them upside the head they’re not gonna be able to handle it because you’ve always protected them and guided them.”
Learning through experience
Sanders further expanded on his approach to parenting, using vivid examples to illustrate his points. He believes that experiencing life’s “heat” is crucial for personal development.
“You gotta let them touch that oven so they find out it’s hot every now and then,” Sanders said. “It’s hard but they got to and all my kids have gone through things differently at different ages and stages and you could just tell me what happened and I could tell you which one of my five kids did it because I know them that intimately and psychologically. I know them like a book and I know what they can withstand and what they can’t.”
This hands-on approach reflects a deep understanding of his children’s personalities, showcasing his commitment to raising them as strong individuals.
Family dynamics and humor
The Sanders family dynamic is not just about discipline and resilience; it also includes a healthy dose of humor. Coach Prime’s eldest daughter, Deiondra Sanders, added a light-hearted touch to the conversation with a playful comment on social media.
“Ion wanna touch the oven no more,” Deiondra Sanders quipped in the Instagram comment section of the podcast.
This humorous exchange highlights the close-knit nature of the Sanders family, where laughter and love coexist alongside the lessons of life.
Shedeur Sanders on strict parenting
Shedeur Sanders, poised to make his mark in the NFL, shared his perspective on growing up under Coach Prime’s strict guidance. During a November segment of Fox Sports’ “Big Noon Kickoff,” he shed light on the expectations that come with being part of the Sanders family.
“I always say like for us since we know him so well it’s almost the same,” Shedeur explained. “You can’t go out there and do bad and then come home and he’s just gonna act like everything’s good. He ain’t gonna do that.”
This candid reflection from Shedeur reveals the high standards set by his father, which have undoubtedly shaped his character and work ethic.
Looking ahead: The next chapter for the Sanders brothers
As the Sanders brothers prepare to transition to the NFL, they face a new chapter in their football careers. For the first time, Shilo and Shedeur will not be coached by their father as they enter the 2025 Draft. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities, as they navigate the professional landscape without Coach Prime’s direct influence.
Meanwhile, the future of Deion Sanders Jr. in Boulder remains uncertain, adding an element of intrigue to the family’s football legacy. The dynamics of their relationships will undoubtedly evolve as they pursue their individual paths in the world of professional sports.
Conclusion
Coach Prime’s journey as a father and a football coach is a testament to his commitment to raising strong, resilient individuals. His parenting philosophy, grounded in real-life experiences and humor, serves as a guiding light for his children as they forge their own paths. As the Sanders family continues to make headlines in college football and beyond, one thing is clear: their bond is as strong as the values instilled in them by their father.
