DeSean Jackson Reveals Deion Sanders' Role in Coaching Career

When Deion Sanders took a leap into coaching, he became the trendsetter for other former NFL stars to make the jump as well. Some will say he wrote the blueprint, but it's clear he's not done yet.

DeSean Jackson is one of the latest to follow in Sanders' footsteps. The standout receiver took over at Delaware State and hasn't looked back at the notable HBCU. It was his first head coaching position at any level. He made headlines right after Michael Vick signed on at Norfolk State. The one-time teammates are now rivals. 

Jackson credits Sanders for his rise in coaching. He admired what Coach Prime has been able to do between Jackson State and now Colorado, turning the Buffs into must-see TV with Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter, and others. 

"Coach Prime, man, I can't stress enough about how he's opened doors up for guys like myself," Jackson said on "All Facts No Brakes." "We talked about Michael Vick being at Norfolk. We play this year. Just being able to learn from guys like him that's been at an HBCU when he was at Jackson State, now he's at Colorado, it's a stepping stone for me."

Jackson takes over a Delaware State program ready for change. The Hornets haven't posted a winning record in 13 years and it has been even longer since their last FCS playoff appearance. However, like Sanders, this is about the long game for Jackson. 

"I wanted to come here, Jackson said. "They only won two games in the past two years. So I'm coming into a situation where I can't do no worse."

Sanders turned Jackson State into a competitor in the SWAC nearly overnight before exiting to Colorado. The Tigers picked up back-to-back conference titles, but were defeated in both Celebration Bowl appearances in 2021 and 2022. 

Jackson hopes he can replicate the level of success and hype to Sanders has established in his post-playing career. 

"I'm gonna bet on myself," Jackson said. "Ain't no shoe too big for me to fill. I feel like the foundation is set. It's just on me to put certain [things] around."