DeSean Jackson Reveals the First Words Deion Sanders Ever Said to Him originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

DeSean Jackson has admired Deion Sanders since childhood, acknowledging that everything about “Prime Time,” from his fashion choices to his confidence and game, was part of what made Sanders a living blueprint for Jackson.

The moment things got real between the two former NFL stars didn’t happen on the field or a televised broadcast, but rather in a private conversation.

During a face-to-face early in Jackson’s pro journey, the running back first got to hear from Sanders for the first time in his career, as he recounted on a Well Off Media interview released on Sunday.

Delaware State HC DeSean Jackson visited Country Prime Ranch this weekend and spent time fishing with Colorado HC Deion Sanders. 🔥

(via @DeSeanJackson10@DeionSanders) pic.twitter.com/rZpinPkLMB

— LIGHT ON COLLEGE SPORTS (@LightOnSports) July 13, 2025

“Man, I met Coach Prime—I want to say early in my career,” Jackson said. “He was doing the NFL Network stuff and I can’t remember exactly how it was, where it was, but it was nothing but respect.

“Obviously, growing up, I looked up to Prime—jewelry, money, fashion,… everything.”

Judging by Jackson’s memories and what he shared, the respect was mutual. The first actual conversation they had left a lasting imprint on Jackson’s mindset and shaped his future.

“I could just remember ‘I want to be like him’ and replicating my game after him as a young kid. was a kid, Jackson said. “But when I first really had a conversation with him, it was like, he showed me the utmost respect and love. Just telling me how he loved my game and just how to basically keep being a dog.

“So, that was like my first encounter with him.”

Now entering his first year as Delaware State’s head coach, Jackson is walking a path blazed by Sanders, as Coach Prime will embark on his third season at the helm of the Colorado Buffaloes after coaching at other places before.

Jackson has been open about the impact Sanders has had on him, especially when it comes to leading and mentoring young men at HBCUs.

“Coach Prime, man, I can’t stress enough about how he’s opened doors up for guys like myself,” Jackson said. “Just being able to learn from guys like him, that’s been at an HBCU when he was at Jackson State, now he’s at Colorado—it’s a stepping stone for me.”

Related: DeSean Jackson Reveals Deion Sanders’ Role in Coaching Career

Related: Why Deion Sanders Should Move on From Coaching at Colorado

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.