Deion Sanders' Standard Puts NFL on Notice

Deion Sanders is a major proponent of establishing and maintaining ‘the standard’. That philosophy was the catalyst for the massive pushback felt by many vocal fans, media and even other coaches that started in 2023.

Sanders has never shied away from defending ‘the standard,' Including comments like, “What makes you think I care about what you think of me.” At almost every turn there has been someone with a platform or at least an internet connection willing to question how Deion Sanders moves as a Power Four head coach. Yet somehow, the standard he is so adamant about is revealing itself positively in NFL minicamps.

There is a common thread coming out of five specific minicamps. The teams in question are Jacksonville, Cleveland, Baltimore, Carolina, and Tampa Bay. What do all of those have in common? Those are teams that have Coach Prime’s Colorado Buffaloes on the roster. The common sentiment has been almost the same for each player at his respective team’s camps. A few comments keep coming up:

He always has a smile on his face. He always has a great attitude. You can tell he really loves the game. He has been more impressive than the draft grade we had on him.

Those are comments being said about all Buffs currently rostered on NFL teams. The local media in Jacksonville, along with ESPN have commented on how impressed offensive coordinator Grant Udinski has been with Travis Hunter early in camp. Not to mention Jaguars head coach Liam Coen, who has raved about Hunter since the beginning of camp. During a recent press conference after Hunter’s first practice with the defense, Coen revealed that his defensive coaches asked after the first day if they could have Travis more on defense.

In Browns camp, both head coach Kevin Stefanski and veteran QB Joe Flacco have commented publicly on Shedeur Sanders. Stefanski has raved a couple times about Sanders being first in, last out as well as speaking of his work ethic and eagerness to learn. Flacco weighed in with, “Shedeur’s been great. He’s a lot of fun to be around in those meeting rooms and at least once in each meeting he’s made me smile.”

To the surprise of many following the QB competition, Stefanksi said in an interview with Tony Rizzo's "Really Big Show", “I love everything there is about Shedeur.”

The Carolina Panthers posted a ‘Mic’d Up’ video where Jimmy Horn is seen showing off his speed and quickness while being completely engaged with his teammates and coaching staff. He came across as happy and excited with personnel but also executed drills efficiently. Even commenting on a run, “he’s not fast enough for me”. Panthers director of football operations Dan Morgan described him as fluid and a reliable target as well as what he provides in the locker room. Even when Horn was informed he'd be fined for not disclosing he was Mic’d Up, Horn took it in stride with a smile on his face.

LaJohntay Wester at Ravens camp is the same story with different verbiage. Wester’s reserve but positive personality is being noticed. During individual coaching from John Harbaugh during special teams’ work, Wester’s willingness to embrace new challenges with a smile was something he responded to. As recently as this week Ravens media has spoken of the ‘how’ Wester performed and composed himself in camp, adding that he has likely worked his way into an offensive role on the team. As opposed to being viewed as a special teams player only.

Even Shilo Sanders, who was signed as an undrafted free agent, impressed in Tampa Bay from the beginning. The local media and head coach Todd Bowles have been singing Shilo’s praises. Following OTAs, Bowles said, “His performance in OTAs has been more than just effort. He’s smart, vocal, and understands the game. He has been doing a good job from day one.” 

The media praised Shilo’s first availability where he went out of his way to meet and shake the hands of each individual media member. A gesture most media has never seen before. Most recently, Sanders said publicly that Tampa was the first team to call and give him a shot. That has not gone unnoticed by him and he intends to repay that kindness on the field.

Deion Sanders runs his program as the standard. That bothers some of college football's ‘old guard’. However, no one can argue with the results seen in NFL camps. As promised, Coach Prime has coached and developed players that have an incredible work ethic, love the game, and are professional. That idea is proving itself and should be a blueprint used by others. It's also something NFL front offices should remember when they grade Coach Prime's prospects.