Where does Deion Sanders rank among the greatest NFL cornerback of all-time?
When talking about the greatest cornerbacks of all-time, Deion Sanders is a common first choice. Looking at Deion Sanders' career stats, we can see why.
The now 55-year-old was a rare specimen that was as physically gifted as they come, with many stating he wasn't human. His speed and hands were not from this earth and he could move in ways that not many could even dream about.
When it comes to the best cornerbacks of all-time, the list is rather short. The likes of Darrelle Revis, Rod Woodson, Mel Blount, and Champ Bailey round out the top four of most fans asked with Sanders at the top.
However, the choice of who is the best of all time in a certain position is largely up for debate. For most, whether they like a certain player depends on the stats or their individual liking of a player, or simply down to the number of Super Bowl rings.
Deion Sanders' career stats throughout his career leave many in no doubt about who is the best corner of all time. Let's dive into "Primetime's" career.
Deion Sanders' career stats
Some people forget that Sanders started his career with the Atlanta Falcons in 1989. He played five seasons with the Falcons. During his time there, he was a three-time Pro Bowler and a three-time All-Pro.
He snaged 17 interceptions in his four seasons before he made the move to the NFC with the San Francisco 49ers. He would only spend one season with the 49ers, but what a season it was.
With all respect to Steve Young, Deion was my choice for 1994 NFL MVP. Even with all of the SF defensive free agents — Ken Norton Jr., Rickey Jackson, Richard Dent, Gary Plummer — they weren’t complete until Deion arrived. https://t.co/bcFUT5rZVV
He was named Defensive Player of the Year as he played 14 games, grabbing six interceptions and three touchdowns. Again, he was a All-Pro and a Pro Bowler.
By then, he was already considered one of the best at his position as he helped the 49ers win the Super Bowl in his last year (1994).
That offseason, he swapped San Francisco for Dallas and while Deion Sanders' career stats for the 1995 season were not to his usual high standards, it ended with a Super Bowl. After Jerry Jones made a big splash to secure his services, it paid off with a Lombardi Trophy.
He would play five seasons in Dallas before moving to division rivals Washington, but that lasted a year. He then retired for three years and made a comeback in 2004 with the Baltimore Ravens, playing for two years before finally retiring after the 2005 season.
Deion Sanders' career stats make for great reading. He has played in 188 games, has two Super Bowls, was the Defensive Player of the Year (1994), has 53 interceptions, is an eight-time Pro Bowler, a six-time All-Pro and is a member of the Hall of Fame.
For many, "Prime" is the greatest cornerback the NFL has ever seen and it's hard to argue.