"We’re so darn proud": Deion Sanders sends a heartwarming wish to fellow Colorado coach Warren Sapp on his special day

One of the notable additions Deion Sanders made to the Colorado coaching staff ahead of the 2024 college football season was Warren Sapp. The Pro Football Hall of Famer joined Coach Prime's Buffaloes as a graduate assistant, marking a new endeavor in his career.

Sanders sent a heartfelt message to Sapp on his social media handle to celebrate his birthday on Thursday. The two NFL greats have been good friends even before they became reunited in Boulder, a sentiment boldly emphasized in Sanders’ birthday message on X.

"Happy Birthday to my brother Warren Sapp!" Sanders said. "We love man and we’re so darn proud of u!"

A star defensive tackle, Sapp spent 13 seasons in the NFL playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Oakland Raiders. He won the 1999 AP Defensive Player of the Year Award, as well as a Super Bowl title with the Bucs in 2003.

Warren Sapp is loving it under Deion Sanders’ unique philosophy

Deion Sanders is known for his unique philosophy of managing a college football program. This has often come under intense criticism in many quarters within the landscape. However, his style of leadership was fascinating to Warren Sapp during his first season in Boulder.

"He's leading the troops," Sapp told the Toure Show in October. "When you work for a man like that, you follow him anywhere, because you know his heart is true and you know his meaning is there.

"And everything about him is genuine. He's the same man every time. My office is across from his, [he's] the same dude every morning. That music's playing, he'll come out with a little bounce in his step. Smile on his face, greet you with a good morning hug.”

Working under Deion Sanders has made Sapp seamlessly adapt to the college football landscape. He’s been able to bring some positive energy into the team, playing a role in the Buffaloes' 9-3 finish.

Warren Sapp wants Folsom Field to be a fortress

Home advantage is huge in college football. There’s a lot that can help decide on the outcome of a game. One of Sapp's primary objectives after being added to the Colorado coaching staff by Deion Sanders was to ensure Folsom Field became a fortress feared by visiting teams.

"No one comes into your house, takes your remote, puts his feet on your couch and goes changing your TV,” Sapp said in his on “Thee Pregame Show” in September.

"That's how I talk about it. That's how I feel about Folsom Field. This is my living room. You don't walk in my living room and implement your rules. You follow me and then I'll let you out when I let you out."

The addition of Sapp to the team made an immediate impact. He was instrumental in transforming Colorado's line of scrimmage play, effectively tackling critical weaknesses from the prior season. His impact is evident in the enhanced quarterback protection on offense and the increased defensive pressure.