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Deion Sanders' Sends Tear-Jerking Message to Mother in Nike Tribute

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jason C. Jones | Last updated Jul 6, 2025 2:31 PM ET

Deion Sanders has been gathering strength with a return to Boulder on the horizon. The Colorado Buffaloes coach, who is considered one of the greatest athletes of all-time, continues to be a trendsetter. His relationship with Nike has been no exception.

The sports world has watched Sanders revamp his Diamond Turf line to hit legendary status. Before he's expected to pass the torch to his son, Shedeur, 'Prime Time' had one of the most noble gestures by honoring his mother, Connie Knight, with her own shoe in the signature line.

The Nike Air DT '96 "Love Letter to Connie" is unique and a true breakaway from the rest of the collection. Yet again, if we have learned anything about Sanders, Mama Connie is the fuel behind his greatness. Sanders voices a powerful Nike tribute to her, recounting his upbringing in a must-watch piece.

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Sanders starts the video by saying it was a testimony, not a letter. He went on to say, "You are a role model of consistency. Thank you, Mom, for just being you." This might be one of the best Nike ad campaigns in their history.

Nike dropped Sanders' retro sneaker in an all-red colorway in honor of Knight over Mother's Day weekend. The sneaker sold out during the initial run and is available in limited sizes on the resale market.

Since reuniting with Nike after coming to Colorado, Sanders' retro line has been a smash hit with eleven releases over the past two years. It's part of a deeper culture and has been full stream ahead going into the 2025 college football season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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