"I'm like a kid in a darn candy shop": Deion Sanders shares his fanboying moment over coach Nick Saban during AFLAC commercial shoots
Deion Sanders recently sat down with Joel Klatt to discuss his friendship with former Alabama coach Nick Saban. The latter's unexpected retirement on January 10 sent shockwaves through the college football world.
Saban, aged 72, has left behind a towering legacy, including seven national championships (six with Alabama) and numerous records that set a high bar for future coaches.
In Saban's final season (2023-24), much attention shifted to Boulder, Colorado, where NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders had taken over as head coach. Sanders, who began in this role on December 3, 2022, after three successful years at Jackson State, has shared a longstanding friendship with Saban. These two were famously seen together in Aflac commercials.
On Fox Sports' Joel Klatt Show, Sanders spoke enthusiastically about learning from Saban during these commercial shoots.
"I'm like a kid in a darn candy shop," Sanders said, grinning. "I'm sitting Indian style and asking him 'Coach, can you tell me about this? Can you tell me about that game?' I'm serious, I just keep it going. Oh my god, I love him!"
Sanders emphasized the family values the former Crimson Tide coach brings to his team, attributing some of his insights to Saban's wife, Terry.
"Mrs. Saban needs to teach a masterclass on supporting your partner. After a tough game, she would send the most uplifting messages. She's incredible," Sanders remarked.
Addressing Deion Sanders' retirement, Sanders disagreed with the notion that Saban's "tank was on E," attributing the decision more to the evolving landscape of college football.
"He’s the magna cum laude of coaching," Sanders said. "We aspire to be near his level, though we’ll never surpass it. He’s the best ever. It’s a shame because he had so much left to give, but I understand the change in direction he needed."
Reflecting on Saban’s departure, Sanders expressed the magnitude of his absence.
"We lost the OG," he said. "He’s been a mentor and a friend. I could always call him when needed. College football won't be the same without him."
Deion Sanders refutes mandatory attendance at son's rap concert
Deion Sanders continues to express frustration over a report alleging he forced Colorado players to attend a rap concert featuring his son, Shedeur Sanders, and Lil Wayne. In a video on the Well Off Media YouTube channel, the Colorado coach joked with his players about the report, saying:
"I'm still mad at y'all who didn't go watch Shedeur. How stupid was that? Good lord."
The controversy stems from a report by Steve Corder of Athlon Sports. It claimed that Sanders made attendance of the concert 'mandatory'. and threatened to remove players who did not. The report suggested this incident led some players to transfer from the program.
Shedeur Sanders performed as an opening act for Lil Wayne's concert following Colorado's spring game in April. While many teammates attended, there is no evidence that any players were dismissed for not going.