'He didn't play in championship game' - NFL legend Deion Sanders once revealed his tough love showing no mercy to son Shilo

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders does not pull punches when it comes to leading his team. The NFL legend turned coach embodies a tough-love approach to leadership, including his two sons on his team. Coach Prime is careful not to make any exceptions.

In an appearance on the Pivot Podcast in March 2023, Sanders went into detail about his coaching strategy. He highlighted the importance of instilling discipline in his players by enforcing non-negotiable rules. One of his non-negotiables is punctual attendance for all team meetings and practices.

He said:

“I had a rule that if you’re late, you ain’t playing. My meeting starts at 7 O’clock, they better have their butts in their seats by 6:45 …. because I’m trying to prepare them for life. My son (Shilo) came in 6:55. I said “get out.” He didn’t play in the championship game because my rules are my rules … He understood, he didn’t like it but it is what it is.”

Coach Prime's high standards and no-nonsense approach has clearly paid off. Since taking over as head coach for the Colorado Buffaloes, the Buffs have gone from a failing team to one of the best teams in the Big 12 Conference.

Deion Sanders unamused as son Shilo mimics his iconic celebration

The 2024 season has been one of the best for the Colorado Buffaloes, who ended the regular season with a 9-3 record. Unfortunately, the Buffs failed to make it to the Big 12 Championship Game after falling short in their game against the Kansas Jayhawks. Despite this, they went into their next game against Oklahoma State with increased focus and confidence, delivering one of their best performances this season and closing the game with a 52-0 victory.

One of the more memorable moments from the game was Deion Sanders’ surprising reaction to a celebration from his son Shilo Sanders. Shilo pulled off a big play and immediately mimicked one of his dad’s iconic celebrations from the 90s. Deion Sanders was in coach mode and did not acknowledge the celebration.

Shilo Sanders clearly enjoyed the celebration, and some of his teammates joined in. However, coach Sanders did not seem amused. As Shilo ran past him, Coach Prime looked away with what seemed like a disapproving look on his face.

Shilo, who might have gotten carried away with his team’s success, showed the dramatic tendencies his father often displayed during his time as an athlete. However, it was clear that Deion Sanders was not in the mood for this. Perhaps Coach Prime felt the celebration was inappropriate, considering they had failed to meet their goal of making it to the championship game.

If Shilo gets drafted, this might be the last time he and his father are on the same team. Deion Sanders’ coaching methods, as harsh as they might seem, will help shape Shilo Sanders’ future as a potential NFL player.