Deion Sanders is an American former professional football and baseball player, coach, and sports analyst who has a net worth of $45 million.
He is considered one of the most versatile athletes of all time for excelling in multiple sports at a professional level.
Deion Sanders Net Worth
Deion Sanders has accumulated an estimated net worth of $45 million over his long and varied sports career. He earned around $33 million in salary during his 14 seasons in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins and Baltimore Ravens.
During his 9 season MLB career, mainly playing for the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds, Sanders made around $15 million in salary. At the peak of his dual-sport fame, he was one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, thanks to endorsement deals with companies like Nike, Pepsi, American Express, and Pizza Hut.
After retirement, Sanders reportedly ran into financial troubles that led him to file for bankruptcy in the early 2000s. However, he has recovered from his bankruptcy and rebuilt his wealth through coaching salaries, speaking engagements, broadcast work, and other business ventures.
Early Life and Education
Deion Sanders was born on August 9, 1967, in Fort Myers, Florida. He had a difficult childhood as his mother was only 16 years old when she had him. Sanders met his biological father when he was an adult. Despite growing up poor, Sanders displayed exceptional athletic talent from a young age. He attended North Fort Myers High School, where he excelled in football, baseball, basketball, and track.
After high school, Sanders attended Florida State University on a football scholarship. He was a star cornerback for the Florida State Seminoles and also played baseball. Sanders graduated from Florida State in 1988 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management.
Rise to Fame
Deion Sanders’ electrifying dual-sport talent and bold personality made him one of the most famous athletes of the 1990s. He rose to national fame as a talented cornerback and kick returner for Florida State University.
In 1988, his profile skyrocketed when the Atlanta Falcons selected him with the 5th overall pick in the NFL draft. As a rookie in Atlanta, Sanders made an immediate impact, leading the league in kickoff and punt return yards and touchdowns. His flashy style of play earned him nicknames like “Neon Deion” and “Prime Time.”
Sanders took the NFL by storm over the next few seasons, leading the league in interceptions and return yards several times. By 1992, he had also established himself as an MLB star with the Atlanta Braves, playing in the World Series and later winning a title in 1992. As the world took notice of his rare two-sport talent, Sanders became a household name.
Career Beginnings in Baseball and Football
The Kansas City Royals selected Sanders in the 6th round of the 1985 MLB draft while he was still in high school. He played professionally for the Royals minor league system during the summer and college football in the fall.
In 1987, Sanders left college briefly to play in the MLB for the New York Yankees. He returned to Florida State to complete his degree. In 1988, Sanders played for the Atlanta Falcons in the 1st round of the NFL draft. He played professionally in the NFL from 1989-2001, spending most of his career with the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys.
Sanders was an explosive athlete with lightning-quick speed. His crossover success in two professional sports earned him the nickname “Prime Time.” He regularly returned kicks and punts for touchdowns and was one of the most feared defenders in the game. At the peak of his career, Sanders averaged over 30 yards per kick return.
Sources of Income
Deion Sanders amassed his multi-million dollar net worth from various lucrative income sources during and after his dual professional sports career.
His primary source of income at the peak of his career was his salaries from playing in both Major League Baseball and the National Football League simultaneously.
As one of the most popular and skilled two-sport athletes, Sanders earned around $15 million in salary from MLB teams like the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, and Cincinnati Reds. In the NFL, he earned about $33 million in compensation over 14 seasons with groups like the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys.
Endorsement deals also contributed a sizeable amount to Sanders’ wealth and fame during the 1990s/ He reportedly earned over $1 million per year from big endorsement deals with companies like Nike, Pepsi, Pizza Hut, and American Express. At the height of his prime, Sanders starred in commercials for major brands like those that wanted to be with his star power.
Business Ventures and Coaching Career
Sanders became an entrepreneur and businessman, investing in various ventures and partnerships. He founded the Prime Prep Academy charter school in 2012, which closed in 2015 amid financial trouble and allegations of impropriety. Sanders has worked as an analyst for CBS Sports and the NFL Network.
He was the head football coach at Trinity Christian School, where his sons played. In 2020, Sanders made his name as head football coach at Jackson State University. Since taking over, he has transformed the program into a burgeoning power house, recruiting top high school prospects.
Sanders uses his fame and resources to give back to the community. He started the TRUTH organization, which guides youths in making responsible choices. Sanders also founded Prime Time Optimism, a nonprofit that strives to level the playing field for underprivileged children.
Personal Life and Relationships
Deion Sanders has been married twice and has children from various relationships. His first marriage was to Carolyn Chambers in 1989. They had two children together – Deion Jr. and Deiondra – before divorcing in 1998.
In 1999, Sanders married glamour model and reality TV star Pilar Biggers. They had three children together – Shilo, Shelomi, and Shedeur. This high-profile relationship was tumultuous at times, and they divorced in 2013 after 14 years of marriage. Their divorce proceedings were messy, with allegations from Pilar that Sanders had been unfaithful during their marriage.
Since his second divorce, Sanders has been in a relationship with Tracey Edmonds, an entrepreneur and TV personality. Sanders has also fathered children outside his marriages. He has two sons, Nigel and Shiloh, with two different women whom he had children with while still playing in the NFL.
In total, Deion Sanders has 7 children from various relationships. His kids have followed in his athletic footsteps in some cases. His son, Deion Jr., played college football as a defensive back and wide receiver. Shilo Sanders is a rising cornerback playing for Jackson State University, where his dad coaches. Deion takes great pride in being a father and mentor to his children.
FAQs on Deion Sanders Net Worth
What sports did Deion Sanders play?
Deion Sanders is one of the few professional athletes to play multiple sports at an elite level. He played professionally in both football in the NFL and baseball in the MLB at the same time for much of the 90s.
What NFL teams did Deion Sanders play for?
In the NFL, Sanders played for the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, and Baltimore Ravens. His best years came with the Falcons and the Cowboys, where he made multiple Pro Bowl appearances.
Where does Deion Sanders coach now?
Deion Sanders is currently the head coach for Jackson State University’s football team. He took over the program in 2020 and immediately transformed it into a powerhouse. JSU has gone 23-2 since Sanders took over.
How much is Deion Sanders worth?
As of 2023, Deion Sanders’ current net worth is estimated to be around $45 million. He earned big salaries in the NFL and MLB during his playing days and continues to make good money through coaching and commentary work.
Final Thoughts
Deion Sanders is considered one of the best athletes of the 20th century. His success across professional baseball and football is unmatched. Today, his net worth stems from lucrative endorsement deals and commentary work, as well as his coaching salary. Sanders aims to inspire youths to dream big and maximize their potential.
