"I have an affinity for kids": $45 million worth Deion Sanders once delivered a powerful speech on why he chose a career in coaching

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders is considered one of the best coaches in the country. But his decision to coach was a little surprising when he started at Jackson State in 2020.

Sanders, whose net worth is $45 million according to Forbes, was a successful NFL studio analyst. But Coach Prime has had an interest in working with kids, evidenced by looking back at a speech he gave in 2022.

"It's not far-fetched to understand why I'm coaching. Because I have an affinity for kids, and trying to progress them to be professionals. Not just professional football players, but professionals, period," Sanders said.

Perhaps that is one of the reasons he has been openly committed to staying as the Colorado Buffaloes' head coach instead of going to the NFL. After all, most college players don't get to the NFL.

"We got 97% of these kids that are not going pro. What's gonna happen to them? I need them to make a difference in life. I need them to be somebody. I need them to go and enhance their communities.

"I need them to make a change somewhere in life and to be great fathers and to be great parents and be great kids. That's the mindset that I have," coach Sanders added.

Deion Sanders' impact has been evident at Jackson State and Colorado. When Sanders signed with the Tigers in 2020, the team hadn't won a conference title in over a decade. Since then, they've won thrice, including this year's championship under coach TC Taylor.

His impact in Boulder has been more evident. Deion Sanders has turned the Buffaloes into one of the most popular college football programs in the country after years of futility.

Will Deion Sanders leave Colorado for the NFL?

Much has been made about a potential move for Deion Sanders to the NFL. From the Dallas Cowboys to the New York Giants to the Las Vegas Raiders, his name has been linked by analysts around the country for weeks.

However, Coach Prime has been adamant he will be staying in Colorado. Even Heisman-winner Travis Hunter chimed in, mentioning Sanders will stay at Boulder.

With Deion's sons, Shedeur and Shiloh Sanders, headed for the NFL, speculation isn't going away. The Raiders and Cowboys have been mentioned the most as potential landing spots, especially if they can get Shedeur in the Draft.

During a FOX interview this summer, Coach Prime said he wouldn't follow his sons to the pros. He's also been aggressively recruiting, notably flipping Julian Lewis from USC. The Colorado'srecruiting class is ranked No. 37. Sanders' contract with the Buffaloes runs through 2027.

Colorado is getting ready to face the BYU Cougars at the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28 in San Antonio.