Deion Sanders Sends Touching Message to Son, Cleveland Browns' Shedeur Sanders

Before Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ NFL debut, he made the same traditional pregame walk he once shared with his father, Deion Sanders. “Coach Prime” returned the gesture at Folsom Field with his own sideline walk and heartfelt message.

Apr 19, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders during the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

It's been almost a week since rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders made his NFL rookie debut.

While every rookie’s first professional appearance is a milestone, for the former Colorado Buffaloes legend, the moment carried extra weight.

Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) celebrates his touchdown pass against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Not only did it mark the start of his professional journey, but it would also be one of the few occasions he'd be without the familiar presence of his father, coach Deion Sanders, by his side.

For eight years, before nearly every game, Shedeur walked the sideline with his father in what became an iconic pregame tradition.

But on his debut night, in a new stadium, in a new league and sporting different colors, Shedeur made the familiar walk alone — a bittersweet signal that one chapter had closed and another had begun.

Coach Prime Returns the Gesture

Oct 7, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders with son and quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Recently, "Coach Prime" shared that tradition wasn’t forgotten when he took his own symbolic stroll along the sideline at Colorado’s Folsom Field, speaking directly to his son in a heartfelt message that blended faith, family pride, and football wisdom.

"Son, I love you. We've been on this journey, boy. We've got the lord on our side, son. God is so good; he presented this opportunity to you and no one else. So I want you to go out there and make them remember your last name. Take your time. Don't hold the ball, get rid of it. Completions, we want completions. Enough completions, we gonna run out of field. But mostly, I just want you to do you. Do your thang. Just because you're on the bigger stage that don't mean it ain't gonna be the same thing. You know who you are."

Before his NFL debut, Shedeur did his pregame walk without his dad for the first time...

Deion responded with a video of himself doing the walk in Colorado 🥹❤️

(via @DeionSanders, mckpat95/TT) pic.twitter.com/ayWjdEJTkT

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 12, 2025

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Carrying the Legacy Forward

Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks to pass to tight end Sal Cannella (87) during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

It was a touching message from a father speaking life into his son, but it was also a symbolic passing of the torch to the next generation.

While electrifying plays marked Deion’s NFL career, along with multiple Pro Bowl selections and two Super Bowl championships, his most significant impact may be the example he set for Shedeur and his other children.

Nov 10, 1996; San Francisco, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Cowboys cornerback #21 Deion Sanders during a games against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. The Cowboys defeated the 49ers 20-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Imagn Images (c) Copyright Imagn Images | RVR Photos-Imagn Images

Known for his unmatched confidence, work ethic, and leadership, Deion’s journey from star athlete to respected coach has deeply influenced Shedeur’s approach to the game.

That legacy of excellence and determination is now guiding him as he steps into the NFL, carrying both an iconic family name and the lessons learned from his father’s remarkable career.

Looking Ahead

Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) on the field in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

While Shedeur’s NFL debut showed flashes of the same poise and precision that made him a record-breaking quarterback at Colorado, it was only the first of many obstacles in his journey to a final roster spot.

Now, his challenge will be to build on that early momentum while adapting to more complex schemes and the increasing intensity of the NFL preseason.

As the regular season quickly approaches and the competition heats up, Sanders has to continue to improve and impress within Cleveland’s crowded and talented quarterback room.

But if he can take his father’s advice to heart and seize the opportunity ahead, both his name and the Sanders legacy will continue to shine bright in the NFL.