Deion Sanders Reflects on His Darkest Day: ‘The Lord kept me'

Editors note: This article contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. These services are free and confidential.

Deion Sanders, the charismatic head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, has always been known for his confidence and larger-than-life personality. But behind the bright lights and accolades lies a story of deep personal struggle. In the most recent episode of his talk show We Got Time Today, Sanders candidly reflected on his 1997 suicide attempt and the role faith played in turning his life around.

A Moment of Despair

In 1997, after playing a baseball game for the Cincinnati Reds, Sanders faced a personal crisis. Fresh off a divorce and fearing the loss of his children, he drove his Mercedes off a 30–40-foot cliff in Cincinnati, Ohio. Miraculously, Sanders survived without life-threatening injuries. Reflecting on that dark moment, he admitted, “I was suicidal. I was driving my car off a highway to go commit suicide.” It was a period marked by despair, but Sanders says a higher power intervened: “The Lord kept me.”