It’s officially Prime Time at Jackson State University in Mississippi.
On Monday, the school announced that Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders would be coming aboard as the 21st head football coach in JSU’s history.
For Sanders, who is currently the offensive coordinator at Trinity Christian High School in Texas, it will be his first foray into leading a team at the collegiate level.
“I am truly blessed to be the 21st Head football coach of Jackson State University,” Sanders said in a statement. “This amazing HBCU has always enjoyed a high level of commitment academically and athletically. It’s my desire to continue this storied tradition and history of JSU and prayerfully bring more national recognition to the athletes, the university, the Sonic Boom of the South, and HBCUs in general. I am TRULY proud to be a part of the JSU Tiger family. ‘I BELIEVE’”
A standout three-sport athlete (baseball, football and track) at Florida State, Sanders was an eight-time Pro Bowler in the NFL and also played nine seasons in Major League Baseball.
“I am thrilled to welcome Deion Sanders to Jackson State University, the City of Jackson, and Mississippi,” said JSU athletic director Ashley Robinson. “Coach Sanders is student-athlete centered and cares about young men and their wellbeing beyond the football field. We expect to compete for and win championships at Jackson State, and Coach Sanders will help us achieve those goals.”
Sanders arrived at the school early Monday after the hiring became official. It sounds as if he made quite an entrance.
“The hire of Sanders brings a unique prestige never seen before at JSU,” wrote The Clarion-Ledger. “With the deal being finalized, he instantly becomes the most famous name affiliated with the program since Walter Payton.”
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