To Prime: Deiondra Sanders pens a letter to her dad on Father's Day

A heartfelt tribute to the G.O.A.T from his oldest daughter

To my dad (but as ya'll know him, the G.O.A.T),

It was a short 33 years ago. I gave you the best title anyone could ever take on, a father. 

At the time, I didn’t know exactly how special you were. Not just because you are the best NFL player to ever play but because you are caring. You are kind. You are a protector. You are honest and supportive even when you dont want to be. Lol.

It is said that firstborns are considered uniquely qualified to represent their fathers purely because of their birth order. While nobody can say if this is entirely true or not, I definitely feel it. Especially trying to walk in your footsteps. You are real and honest. You always taught me to tell the truth.

You've taught me so much. I'm forever grateful you've passed on your humility, compassion, and realness. A love so deep you’ve shared with me. Even when I feel it’s slipping away, God shows your love for me in numerous ways. My spirit & soul are like a cup overflowing with respect for others, and you imparted that into me. 

You always keep it real with me and put me up on game. That’s probably why I am the way I am now. Lol. You taught me to always be nice and kind to people no matter who they are. I appreciate that. Thank you for always keeping me grounded.

Psalms 127: 3 says, "Children are a gift from the Lord. They are a reward from Him." Except your love for me has been what's truly rewarding. I know one thing is real in life. No matter where I am or how far I stray from home, you're never hard to find when I need you.

As I run in this marathon called life, I will keep hustling and try to never let you down. I'll continue through anything because you taught me that quitting is never an option, and we Don't Quit. That’s probably why i'm so competitive. Lol. You've shown me a world others might never experience. And I’ll always love and appreciate you for it.

Today, we celebrate you, Daddy.

An electrifying playmaker, media personality, brother, uncle, friend, mentor, hall of famer, coach, but nothing compares to father.

There is nobody in this world like you, Daddy, and I couldn't ask for anyone better. You've given me strength and continue to bring out the best in me. You have kept it real even when I didn’t want you to.

Happy Father's Day!

Love you always,

Deiondra