Why Deion Sanders brought fishing rod to Colorado Pro Day
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Why Deion Sanders brought fishing rod to Colorado Pro Day
Brent Schrotenboer, USA TODAY·USA TODAY Sports
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3 min read
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Coloradofootball coachDeion Sandersbrought a fishing rod to his team's annual Pro Day workout for NFL scouts in Boulder on Tuesday, March 31. But he wasn't casting for bass in a lake. He sat with it on an exercise ball as players got to work around him on the indoor practice field, ignitingquestions from observersabout what Coach Prime was up to this time.
Was it a publicity stunt for a fishing gear sponsor?
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A motivational ploy about reeling in NFL prospects from hidden depths?
The answer was a little of both.
Sanders does have a branding deal for fishing gear with manufacturer Abu Garcia. And he was trying to motivate one of his players with it – linebackerJeremiah Brown, a player he's coached since 2021 atJackson State.
"I have a PRIME fishing rod at Pro day today because 1 of my players who's been with me for 5 years wanted 1 but the deal was he had to run a certain time in the 40 & I was gonna give it to him on the spot," Sanderssaid on Instagram Tuesday. "My kids know I'm a earn it type of guy. Next time just ask and don't assume please. Love ya regardless because God loves me that same way."
Sanders didn't say what the time goal was for Brown in the 40-yard dash. Brown ran it in 4.85 seconds, according to the university.
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Brown is getting the rod either way. He likes to fish for bass and has gone fishing with formerColoradoHeisman Trophy winnerTravis Hunter.
Sanders said afterward that the rod is his reward.
"I'm giving u the rod & reel because I love ya my brother & you're my dawg!" Sanders told him.
Colorado's Pro Day event Tuesday seemed light years removedfrom the hype of last year's, when the NFL Network televised it and all eyes were on Hunter and Sanders'quarterback son Shedeur. Last year, all 32 NFL teams attended the event. On Tuesday, 26 NFL teams attended while a fishing rod managed to get some of the spotlight instead.
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Colorado might not even have any players drafted by NFL teams in April after none of its players were invited to the NFL Combine earlier this year.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders and his father Deion Sanders on the sideline before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field on Dec. 28, 2025. Shedeur Sanders made seven starts during his rookie season with the Browns, going 3-4 in those games.
(Ken Blaze, Imagn Images)
2024: Deion Sanders embraces Travis Hunter after the wide receiver/cornerback won the 2024 Heisman Trophy.
(Todd Van Emst, Heisman Trust via Imagn Images)
2024: Shilo Sanders (21), Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) and social media producer Deion Sanders Jr. following a win against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field.
(Ron Chenoy, Imagn Images)
2023: Colorado football coach Deion Sanders and celebrity guest picker Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson exchange pleasantries on the set of ESPN College GameDay prior to the Buffaloes game against Colorado State at Folsom Field on Boulder, Colorado.
(Andrew Wevers, USA TODAY Sports)
2023: Colorado coach Deion Sanders in attendance before the national championship game.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)
2022: Deion Sanders is introduced as the head coach of the University of Colorado.
(Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports)
2022: Deion Sanders during the Celebration Bowl. Sanders went 27-6 in three seasons leading Jackson State.
(Dale Zanine, USA TODAY Sports)
Jackson State Tigers head coach Deion Sanders enters the field with his team before the start of the game against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Fla., on Sept. 4, 2022.
(Rich Storry, USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
2021: Deion Sanders coaches during the Celebration Bowl. Sanders required a scooter following blood clot issues that ultimately led to the amputation of some toes.
(Mickey Welsh, USA TODAY NETWORK)
2017: Deion Sanders, working for NFL Network, interviews New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount during Super Bowl LI Opening Night at Minute Maid Park.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
Melissa Stark (left), Deion Sanders (center) and Kurt Warner (right) smile during an NFL Network broadcast at the Super Bowl XLIX NFL Experience at the Phoenix Convention Center on Jan. 26, 2015.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
Rich Eisen (left), Deion Sanders (center) and Michael Irvin on the NFL Network set before the "Thursday Night Football" game between the Houston Texans and the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on Dec. 5, 2013.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
2013: Deion Sanders as "Leon Sandcastle" of Primetime University arrives on the red carpet prior to the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
(Al Bello, Getty Images)
NFL network broadcaster Deion Sanders interviews San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree during media day in preparation for Super Bowl XLVII against the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Jan. 29, 2013.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
NFL Network analyst Deion Sanders reports the action from the sidelines during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers at Texas Stadium on Nov. 29, 2007.
(Mark J. Rebilas, US PRESSWIRE)
Deion Sanders makes his return to football with the Baltimore Ravens after a three-year retirement in the 2004 season opener iat Cleveland Browns Stadium on Sept. 12, 2004. The Browns beat the Ravens, 20-3, in the game.
(Matthew Emmons, US PRESSWIRE)
Deion Sanders and family celebrate Kids Day at the New York Knicks vs. New Orleans Hornets NBA game at Madison Square Garden in New York, on Nov. 29, 2003.
(Ray Amati, Getty Images)
Washington's Deion Sanders jukes the Detroit Lions' Brock Olivo at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan, on Sept. 10, 2000.
(JEFF KOWALSKY, AFP via Getty Images)
The Dallas Cowboys' Deion Sanders outdistances Indianapolis Colts defensive back Tito Wooten to score a touchdown at the RCA Dome on Oct. 31, 1999.
(JOHN RUTHROFF, AFP via Getty Images)
Deion Sanders at the plate for the Cincinnati Reds during the 1997 season. The Reds were among four different MLB teams that Sanders played for during a nine-season career.
(Tony Tomsic, USA TODAY Sports)
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deion Sanders covers San Diego Chargers receiver Shawn Jefferson during Super Bowl XXIX at the Joe Robbie Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Chargers, 49-26.
(Matthew Emmons, US PRESSWIRE)
On Oct. 11, 1992, Deion Sanders played in a game against the Miami Dolphins, then flew to Pittsburgh for the Atlanta Braves' NLCS game against the Pirates (he did not appear in the game).
(H. DARR BEISER, USA TODAY)
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Deion Sanders (21) on a kick return against the Green Bay Packers at Fulton County Stadium on Dec. 1, 1991.
(Manny Rubio, US PRESSWIRE)
The Atlanta Braves' Deion Sanders bats against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on July 7, 1991.
(Stephen Dunn, Getty Images)
1991: Deion Sanders attempts a steal against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Fulton County Stadium. Sanders spent four seasons with the Atlanta Braves from 1991-94.
(USA TODAY Sports)
1990: Pro Football Hall of Famers duel at Milwaukee County Stadium as Atlanta Falcons cornerback Deion Sanders covers Green Bay Packers receiver Sterling Sharpe.
(Manny Rubio, US PRESSWIRE)
The Atlanta Falcons' Deion Sanders in action against the Dallas Cowboys at Fulton County Stadium on Sept. 17, 1989.
(US PRESSWIRE)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Deion Sanders in action against the Dallas Cowboys at Fulton County Stadium. The Falcons defeated the Cowboys, 21-17, on Sept. 17, 1989.
(US PRESSWIRE)
Deion Sanders was a two-time All-American, the 1988 Jim Thorpe Award winner and a 2011 College Football Hall of Fame inductee.
(Allen Steele, Getty Images)
Deion Sanders in action for Florida State during the 1987 season.
(Malcolm Emmons, US PRESSWIRE)
1/30
Deion Sanders through the years
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders and his father Deion Sanders on the sideline before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field on Dec. 28, 2025. Shedeur Sanders made seven starts during his rookie season with the Browns, going 3-4 in those games.
(Ken Blaze, Imagn Images)
1/30
Deion Sanders through the years
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders and his father Deion Sanders on the sideline before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field on Dec. 28, 2025. Shedeur Sanders made seven starts during his rookie season with the Browns, going 3-4 in those games.
(Ken Blaze, Imagn Images)
2/30
Deion Sanders through the years
2024: Deion Sanders embraces Travis Hunter after the wide receiver/cornerback won the 2024 Heisman Trophy.
(Todd Van Emst, Heisman Trust via Imagn Images)
3/30
Deion Sanders through the years
2024: Shilo Sanders (21), Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) and social media producer Deion Sanders Jr. following a win against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field.
(Ron Chenoy, Imagn Images)
4/30
Deion Sanders through the years
2023: Colorado football coach Deion Sanders and celebrity guest picker Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson exchange pleasantries on the set of ESPN College GameDay prior to the Buffaloes game against Colorado State at Folsom Field on Boulder, Colorado.
(Andrew Wevers, USA TODAY Sports)
5/30
Deion Sanders through the years
2023: Colorado coach Deion Sanders in attendance before the national championship game.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)
6/30
Deion Sanders through the years
2022: Deion Sanders is introduced as the head coach of the University of Colorado.
(Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY Sports)
7/30
Deion Sanders through the years
2022: Deion Sanders during the Celebration Bowl. Sanders went 27-6 in three seasons leading Jackson State.
(Dale Zanine, USA TODAY Sports)
8/30
Deion Sanders through the years
Jackson State Tigers head coach Deion Sanders enters the field with his team before the start of the game against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Fla., on Sept. 4, 2022.
(Rich Storry, USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
9/30
Deion Sanders through the years
2021: Deion Sanders coaches during the Celebration Bowl. Sanders required a scooter following blood clot issues that ultimately led to the amputation of some toes.
(Mickey Welsh, USA TODAY NETWORK)
10/30
Deion Sanders through the years
2017: Deion Sanders, working for NFL Network, interviews New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount during Super Bowl LI Opening Night at Minute Maid Park.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
11/30
Deion Sanders through the years
Melissa Stark (left), Deion Sanders (center) and Kurt Warner (right) smile during an NFL Network broadcast at the Super Bowl XLIX NFL Experience at the Phoenix Convention Center on Jan. 26, 2015.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
12/30
Deion Sanders through the years
Rich Eisen (left), Deion Sanders (center) and Michael Irvin on the NFL Network set before the "Thursday Night Football" game between the Houston Texans and the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on Dec. 5, 2013.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
13/30
Deion Sanders through the years
2013: Deion Sanders as "Leon Sandcastle" of Primetime University arrives on the red carpet prior to the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
(Al Bello, Getty Images)
14/30
Deion Sanders through the years
NFL network broadcaster Deion Sanders interviews San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree during media day in preparation for Super Bowl XLVII against the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Jan. 29, 2013.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
15/30
Deion Sanders through the years
NFL Network analyst Deion Sanders reports the action from the sidelines during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers at Texas Stadium on Nov. 29, 2007.
(Mark J. Rebilas, US PRESSWIRE)
16/30
Deion Sanders through the years
Deion Sanders makes his return to football with the Baltimore Ravens after a three-year retirement in the 2004 season opener iat Cleveland Browns Stadium on Sept. 12, 2004. The Browns beat the Ravens, 20-3, in the game.
(Matthew Emmons, US PRESSWIRE)
17/30
Deion Sanders through the years
Deion Sanders and family celebrate Kids Day at the New York Knicks vs. New Orleans Hornets NBA game at Madison Square Garden in New York, on Nov. 29, 2003.
(Ray Amati, Getty Images)
18/30
Deion Sanders through the years
Washington's Deion Sanders jukes the Detroit Lions' Brock Olivo at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan, on Sept. 10, 2000.
(JEFF KOWALSKY, AFP via Getty Images)
19/30
Deion Sanders through the years
The Dallas Cowboys' Deion Sanders outdistances Indianapolis Colts defensive back Tito Wooten to score a touchdown at the RCA Dome on Oct. 31, 1999.
(JOHN RUTHROFF, AFP via Getty Images)
20/30
Deion Sanders through the years
Deion Sanders at the plate for the Cincinnati Reds during the 1997 season. The Reds were among four different MLB teams that Sanders played for during a nine-season career.
(Tony Tomsic, USA TODAY Sports)
21/30
Deion Sanders through the years
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deion Sanders covers San Diego Chargers receiver Shawn Jefferson during Super Bowl XXIX at the Joe Robbie Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Chargers, 49-26.
(Matthew Emmons, US PRESSWIRE)
22/30
Deion Sanders through the years
On Oct. 11, 1992, Deion Sanders played in a game against the Miami Dolphins, then flew to Pittsburgh for the Atlanta Braves' NLCS game against the Pirates (he did not appear in the game).
(H. DARR BEISER, USA TODAY)
23/30
Deion Sanders through the years
Atlanta Falcons defensive back Deion Sanders (21) on a kick return against the Green Bay Packers at Fulton County Stadium on Dec. 1, 1991.
(Manny Rubio, US PRESSWIRE)
24/30
Deion Sanders through the years
The Atlanta Braves' Deion Sanders bats against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on July 7, 1991.
(Stephen Dunn, Getty Images)
25/30
Deion Sanders through the years
1991: Deion Sanders attempts a steal against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Fulton County Stadium. Sanders spent four seasons with the Atlanta Braves from 1991-94.
(USA TODAY Sports)
26/30
Deion Sanders through the years
1990: Pro Football Hall of Famers duel at Milwaukee County Stadium as Atlanta Falcons cornerback Deion Sanders covers Green Bay Packers receiver Sterling Sharpe.
(Manny Rubio, US PRESSWIRE)
27/30
Deion Sanders through the years
The Atlanta Falcons' Deion Sanders in action against the Dallas Cowboys at Fulton County Stadium on Sept. 17, 1989.
(US PRESSWIRE)
28/30
Deion Sanders through the years
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Deion Sanders in action against the Dallas Cowboys at Fulton County Stadium. The Falcons defeated the Cowboys, 21-17, on Sept. 17, 1989.
(US PRESSWIRE)
29/30
Deion Sanders through the years
Deion Sanders was a two-time All-American, the 1988 Jim Thorpe Award winner and a 2011 College Football Hall of Fame inductee.
(Allen Steele, Getty Images)
30/30
Deion Sanders through the years
Deion Sanders in action for Florida State during the 1987 season.
(Malcolm Emmons, US PRESSWIRE)
In Brown's case, his time in the 40-yard dash didn't come close to the times of other NFL linebacker prospects at the NFL Combine who ran it in around 4.5 seconds. But Brown has a backup plan beyond fishing and football. He's a graduate student who majored in electrical engineering and has other business interests, too.
"I feel like I left it all on the line today, and the rest of it going to be up to God," Brownsaid on "The Morning Run" podcast. "Whatever he choose for me as far as football-wise, then that'll be what it is. I'll be happy at the end of the day because I know I gave him my all and career-wise, you know, I'm still with the electrical and I also have a life insurance company as well, too."
