“If it wasn’t for Bo Jackson, there would be no Prime": $45M worth Deion Sanders professes his respect for Royals HOFer

In a recent episode of the "All the Smoke" podcast, Deion Sanders, one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history, openly acknowledged the profound impact Bo Jackson had on his career. Sanders credited Jackson for the creation of his iconic "Prime Time" persona.

"If it wasn't for Bo, it wouldn't be no prime. I love him to life," Sanders said.

Sanders highlighted their missed opportunities to engage in public conversations together. He reminisced about a canceled appearance where they were supposed to speak together, lamenting that they had never sat in front of an audience and shared their thoughts.

"We had an appearance together, [Jose], and it got canceled at the last minute. We've never sat in front of people and talked," he added.

Reflecting on a personal encounter with Jackson during his time playing for the Reds, Sanders recalled a lengthy conversation they had in a Chicago locker room. He marveled at the idea of the two sports legends engaging in such dialogue and expressed regret that they had not repeated the experience.

"When I was playing for the Reds, he came to the dugout in Chicago, locker room, and we sat in, I wasn't even playing that Sunday, we sat in the locker room and just talked, man, for hours. Could you imagine that conversation? But we've never done it again," Sanders said.

Bo Jackson's indelible influence on Deion Sanders

Deion Sanders, reflecting on facing off against Bo Jackson, emphasized Jackson's formidable presence on the field. He acknowledged him as a significant influence on his own approach to sports.

"Bo played against me," Sanders said. "Man, Bo was something else, man. You ain't want none of that. We're about 230, 225 running, four threes, four twos. He ain't want none of that. Ain't nobody want none of that. Yeah. Bo was unbelievable, but we did things different.

He praised Jackson's athleticism and power.

"Bo was just a powerful, just a warrior of a cat, man," he added.

Deion Sanders was grateful to Jackson for opening doors and inspiring him to push the boundaries of athletic achievement. He credited Jackson with laying the foundation for his success.

"And shoot, if it wasn't for, he opened that door for me. I would have never attempted that stuff if it hadn't not been for Bo," he said.

Bo Jackson's influence on Deion Sanders transcends mere athleticism, shaping the very essence of Sanders' persona and career trajectory.

​