The Unstoppable Power of Deion Sanders: Inspiring African Americans Everywhere

Following his team's triumphant win earlier this month, Deion Sanders, the football coach at the University of Colorado, made a statement of great significance. He openly addressed the intertwined issues of racism and football, a topic that only a few Black coaches at the highest level of the sport are willing to confront.

Sanders boldly stated, "We are accomplishing things that have never been achieved before, which makes certain individuals uncomfortable. When they witness a self-assured Black man expressing himself confidently, leading by example, and coaching a team composed of 75% African Americans, it becomes somewhat threatening. Oh, they disapprove of that."

Critics of Sanders claim that he is outspoken and often diverts the conversation to race instead of focusing on his role as a football coach. They predict that his popularity and influence will soon decline. However, one columnist has astutely pointed out that Sanders represents the unapologetic and bold essence of Blackness, something that many African Americans are currently longing for.

Black Americans' support for Sanders and his team is widely acknowledged. A Black commentator has drawn a parallel between him and Muhammad Ali. Several prominent Black celebrities, including Master P, Lil Wayne, Kawhi Leonard, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, have attended his events.

In fact, Sanders humorously shared that someone predicted the upcoming Colorado versus USC game would turn the Boulder stadium into a scene reminiscent of the BET Awards.

Deion Sanders and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson were seen together on the set of ESPN's "College GameDay" before the Colorado Buffaloes and Colorado State Rams game on September 16 in Boulder, Colorado.

According to a commentator, the Buffaloes have earned the title of "Black America's team." They are carrying on the tradition of teams like the Georgetown Hoyas, the University of Miami football team, and the UNLV and Michigan "Fab Five" basketball teams. These teams from the past had a strong Black identity and garnered a significant following.

"Regardless of your previous or current affiliations or even your indifference towards college football, it is highly likely that you hold some interest in Sanders and his team," stated Clinton Yates in a recent column for Andscape, a Black-led media platform that focuses on narratives related to Black identity.

However, those who solely rely on historical perspectives to comprehend Sanders' phenomenal popularity fail to acknowledge the significant influence of the present. His accomplishments cannot be divorced from the prevailing political and cultural landscape within Black America. While Sanders may be an athlete, he is confronting similar adversaries that many Black Americans encounter in their everyday lives today.

And hes the type of hero many Black Americans are looking for right now, for at least two reasons.

He refuses to code switch

Black America has had little to find joy in lately. The departure of former President Obama has left a void in the national spotlight. The racial awakening sparked by the George Floyd incident in 2020 feels distant, reminiscent of the disco era. Affirmative action in higher education has been severely weakened by a conservative majority on the US Supreme Court. Furthermore, there is a distressing trend of banning Black literature and history from classrooms. Additionally, Black individuals continue to be targeted and harmed by white supremacists in public settings.

Amidst these challenges, "Coach Prime" emerges as a beacon of hope.

Sanders represents a rare moment of racial progress in contemporary society. He has excelled in college football, which is predominantly White and conservative. While Black players make up a significant portion of college football players, the majority of top teams are coached by White men, particularly in red states like Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana. It is not uncommon to witness Black and brown players competing on the stadium turf, surrounded by cheering White spectators.

Furthermore, the entire culture of elite football, including the NFL, is predominantly controlled by White men. The league is largely dominated by White, politically conservative team owners, resulting in a poor track record of hiring Black coaches.

Its

also common knowledge the consequences that ensue when a vocal Black athlete, such as former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, openly addresses race in a manner that unsettles certain White individuals. As a result, they face retribution.

Some may find Deion Sanders' outspoken nature reminiscent of Colin Kaepernick, the former NFL quarterback who has been absent from the sport since his on-field protests against police brutality and racial inequality during the 2016 season.

Many Black individuals, even those who have no involvement in football, can understand this form of punishment. Expressing anger at work, giving a police officer a disapproving glance, or simply being present in a neighborhood where someone deems you suspicious can result in severe consequences. These consequences can range from losing one's job to, in some cases, losing one's life.

However, Sanders appears unbothered by the opinions of White individuals. He displays little apprehension regarding their potential actions towards him. He is forthright and joyful, refusing to alter his demeanor and behavior to appease White individuals. He fearlessly addresses the issue of racism at press conferences, even when others would prefer he avoid such topics and solely discuss football.

Many Black individuals find this expression of "unapologetic Blackness" immensely exciting.

"Whenever he utters those words, 'I told ya so,' my admiration grows. I appreciate his refusal to engage in the charade of false modesty," expressed Greg Moore in his recent column for the Arizona Republic. "His impact on college football is truly remarkable, and I am thoroughly captivated by it."

Hes destroying stereotypes about Black people

In sports, some of the biggest battles Black people have fought have not been on the field but in the arena of perceptions.

Until recently, there was a significant lack of opportunities for Black individuals to hold managerial positions in major league baseball. In 1987, Al Campanis, who was serving as the general manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers at the time, was dismissed from his position after making a statement during a televised interview suggesting that Black individuals did not possess the necessary skills to manage baseball teams.

Furthermore, Black men were not commonly regarded as being intelligent enough to play the quarterback position, a stereotype that was largely debunked by quarterback Doug Williams when he triumphantly led the Washington Redskins to victory in the Super Bowl in 1988. Despite the fact that over half of the players in the NFL are Black, there continues to be a significant lack of representation for Black coaches in the league.

Heavyweight boxer Joe Louis, seen standing over his fallen foe, Max Schmeling, after battering him to the canvas in 1938, was also an inspirational hero to Black Americans.

Blacks throughout history have urged White America to give them an equal opportunity and witness their triumph over racial stereotypes.

Sanders serves as evidence that with equal opportunities and resources, Black individuals can achieve success. This fact should come as no shock to those who have closely monitored his career. Sanders, a celebrated NFL player and the sole athlete to have participated in both a World Series and a Super Bowl, has a proven record. Prior to his role in Colorado, he held the position of head football coach at Jackson State University, a historically Black college in Mississippi. During his tenure, he not only forged a winning program but also heightened visibility for HBCUs.

"I will not only emerge victorious, but I shall reign supreme," exclaimed Sanders during a recent interview on "60 Minutes." "Such is my nature, such is my essence."

Sanders faced criticism from certain members of the Black community when he transferred from an HBCU to a predominantly White institution. Additionally, he invited scrutiny for swiftly replacing the majority of players on the Colorado team.

In addition to his accomplishments in sports, Sanders has also managed to challenge and overcome racial stereotypes in various aspects of his life.

Take, for instance, his relationships with his sons. Sanders is the proud father of five children, among whom two are standout athletes on his team. Shedeur, his eldest son, holds the position of starting quarterback and is considered a potential candidate for the NFL draft. Meanwhile, his other son, Shilo, excels as a safety on the team.

In Fort Worth, Texas, on September 2, 2023, Shedeur Sanders, a player for the Colorado Buffaloes, stood alongside his father, Deion Sanders, who serves as the head coach. The Colorado team emerged victorious against the TCU Horned Frogs with a final score of 45-42.

Sanders playfully jokes about creating a ranking system for his children, much like the way sports power rankings are determined. In these interviews, we witness heartwarming moments of genuine affection and respect between Sanders and his sons.

The impact on Black Americans is profound, especially considering the stereotype that Black men are often absent fathers in their sons' lives. During his tenure as head coach at Jackson State, Shedeur Sanders threw a touchdown and then rushed to embrace his father, who was in a wheelchair due to recent leg surgery. This moment left a strong impression on a Black commentator named Vaughn Wilson, who emphasized the significance of challenging the prevailing image of absentee or deadbeat Black fathers in society. Sanders and his sons share a special bond that serves as an exemplary model not only for their teammates, but for all individuals.

Racial stereotypes become more harmful when the individuals targeted begin internalizing them. Historically, accomplished Black athletes have often felt compelled to attend predominantly White colleges and be coached by White individuals in order to succeed. However, Sanders is defying this notion by demonstrating that a Black coach can not only recruit highly talented Black athletes from across the country but also excel at a prestigious level.

A recent podcast discussion about Sanders by Ted Johnson, a columnist at the Washington Post, indirectly referenced these stereotypes. Johnson pointed out that individuals who grow up in a society where they are constantly told that they receive promotions solely due to affirmative action may start questioning the validity of such criticisms.

"And then comes someone like Deion," exclaimed Johnson, emphasizing the fact that it is clear evidence that we are capable of achieving success and have the opportunity to exhibit our unique talents and personalities. Success can be achieved at any level, and this aspect of pride is incredibly significant."

There are already discussions about how Sanders may revolutionize college football, extending far beyond his performance on the field. He has the potential to open doors for more Black coaches at prestigious universities. Furthermore, he may demonstrate that charismatic Black coaches have the ability to attract highly talented prospects away from dominant college teams.

Deion Sanders stated that it can be perceived as threatening when a Black man exudes confidence, expresses himself authentically, and coaches a team comprised of 75% African Americans in the locker room.

Ron Jenkins/Getty Images

Hes brought an "audacious Blackness" to college football thats revolutionary, one commentator says.

According to Bakari K. Lumumba's recent column for the Pan African Voice, Sanders is not only a showman and marketer, but also an unapologetic Black man. Lumumba highlights the fact that the college football industry heavily depends on Black athletes to boost attendance, secure lucrative TV deals, and generously compensate white coaches. In many ways, this profession has become a form of welfare for white coaches. Sanders, however, is making efforts to put an end to this lucrative cycle.

However, there is a possibility that the Sanders hype train could meet an obstacle when his team faces off against the higher-ranked Oregon Ducks this Saturday. Any injury to a key player could significantly impact the team's performance for the season.

And although Sanders might not have the same level of domination in big-time college football that he famously had as a baseball star and one of the NFL's most talented cornerbacks, his achievements already establish him as a champion for Black Americans who are craving any form of victory.

John Blake is the author of "More Than I Imagined: What a Black Man Discovered About the White Mother He Never Knew."