Fact Check: Did Deion Sanders graduate from Talladega?

There was recently some controversy regarding whether Deion Sanders was a Seminole or not. The NFL legend got called so by a reporter, who identified as a Miami Hurricanes fan, in a news conference in the days leading up to the start of the season.

Coach Prime answered that he was not a Seminole and that probably no journalist in the room knew where he graduated from. Sanders attended Florida State in the late 1980s, before leaving for the Atlanta Falcons and the New York Yankees. He never completed his education at FSU though.

One of his assistants muttered "HBCU," to which Sanders answered, 'Tell them again where did I graduate from," referring to the fact that he graduated from a Historically Black College or University.

Deion Sanders

Did Deion Sanders graduate from Talladega?

As pointed out by one of his assistant coaches, Sanders did, in fact, graduate from an HBCU called Talladega College, in 2020. He finished his studies there after being rejected from a head coaching position by Florida State. Understandably, there might be some resentment there, which has led to him refusing to be called a Seminole.

Why did Deion Sanders go to Talladega College?

Deion Sanders joined Talladega college after retiring as a professional athlete. The Colorado head coach graduated with a degree in Business Administration from the university before taking the head coaching position at Jackson State in 2019.

Where did Deion Sanders play college football?

Despite attending two colleges, one during his younger years and another in the later stage of life, Sanders only played college football for Florida State. The NFL Hall of Famer was a kick returner with the Seminoles, and led the nation in return yards at one point of his four-year college career.

Deion Sanders: A symbol for the African American community

Deion Sanders is an African American helping break barriers through his presence as an NCAA head coach. White males have historically dominated head coaching positions in college sports.

The Associated Press reported in March 2022 that only 9% of head coaching positions in college football in Division I were held by African Americans, while 89% of football coaches across the three divisions are white.

Deion Sanders is aware of what he symbolizes for the Black community in the sport and is always quick to point out his roots. His first college coaching job was with Jackson State, an HBCU.

He famously said that he was sent to the Jackson State job by God. He never forgets his roots, with him recalling his and his sons' beginnings after the victory over TCU:

"We had some guys that singled themselves out with their playing and their playing ability," Deion Sanders said. "A lot of guys you doubted – one of them from an HBCU – I think he (Shedeur Sanders) had 510 yards passing in a Power Five football game. And he happens to be my son, and I'm proud of him tremendously.

"For real? Shedeur Sanders? From an HBCU? The one that played at Jackson last year? The one that you asked me, 'Why would I give him the starting job?' I've got receipts. I know who they are."