How Deion Sanders, the multi-sport superstar turned buzziest coach in college football, makes and spends his millions

Meredith CashJan 13, 2024, 17:00 IST

Deion Sanders coaching during a 2023 Colorado Buffaloes game.Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Deion Sanders enjoyed remarkably successful careers in the NFL and MLB — at the same time.
"Prime Time" is now the buzziest name in college football as head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes.

Welcome to Prime Time.

More 30 years after he dazzled the sports world as a football superstar with a not-so-insignificant side hustle at the highest levels of professional baseball, Deion "Prime Time" Sanders has returned to the spotlight as the buzziest name in college football. The Hall of Fame cornerback took over the helm of the Colorado Buffaloes ahead of the 2023 season, and he's revitalized the struggling program like only "Coach Prime" could.

Each stage of Sanders' sports career — as an NFL great, a part-time MLB outfielder, and an NCAA head coach — has been quite lucrative. He's also brought in money through opportunities away from the gridiron and diamond.

Let's take a look at how Sanders — the only man to compete in a Super Bowl and a World Series — makes and spends his millions.

Deion Sanders is one of the most impressive athletes in modern-day sports.

Deion Sanders with MLB baseball's Atlanta Braves (left) and the NFL's Dallas Cowboys.AP Photo/Joe Holloway Jr.; Reuters Photographer

Sanders spent the early 1990s playing baseball part-time for various MLB teams — most notably the Atlanta Braves.

Deion Sanders with the Atlanta Braves.AP Photo

He spent the latter half of the '90s as an MLB journeyman.

Deion Sanders in the outfield for the Cincinnati Reds.Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images

Sanders tried to rebuild his baseball career in the minor leagues, but football eventually took precedence.

Deion Sanders arrives in Pittsburgh for an Atlanta Braves game after suiting up for the Atlanta Falcons in Miami earlier in the day.AP Photo/Chaz Pall

Still, he made a pretty penny in baseball — especially considering he saw the sport as his side hustle.

Deion Sanders with the San Francisco Giants.AP Photo/Hans Deryk

But football — his self-described 'wife' — is really where he shaped his legacy.

Deion Sanders with the Atlanta Falcons.AP Photo/Lois Bernstein

Sanders sought out a team that could compete for a title once he became a free agent.

Deion Sanders with the San Francisco 49ers.AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian

He and his agent embarked on the 'Deion Sweepstakes' to find a proper landing spot.

Deion Sanders is surrounded by members of the press.AP Photo/Ron Heflin

Sanders won his second Super Bowl in as many years with the 1996 Dallas Cowboys.

Deion Sanders with the Dallas Cowboys in 1995.AP Photo/Eric Gay

He ended his career with strong stints in Washington and Baltimore.

Deion Sanders with the Baltimore Ravens.REUTERS/Joe Giza JG

As the best cornerback on the planet as well as a weapon on offense and special teams, Sanders earned some serious dough in the NFL.

Deion Sanders.AP Photo/Doug Mills

Sanders has padded his income with an assortment of brand partnerships.

Deion Sanders in an ad for Pepsi.Mark Davis/Getty Images for Pepsi

He further bolstered his reputation with forays into music and Hollywood.

Deion Sanders appears on an episode of "In the House" alongside LL Cool J (right).Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images

After his playing days came to an end, he pursued a career as a football analyst.

Deion Sanders speaks on a broadcast with the NFL Network.AP Photo/Gail Burton

At the same time, Sanders worked to get some coaching experience and become 'Coach Prime.'

Deion Sanders coaches at the 2020 Under Armour All-America Game.Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

In 2020, Sanders took over head coaching responsibilities for HBCU Jackson State.

Deion Sanders at Jackson State.Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports

Over three years with the Tigers, Coach Prime brought attention, funding, and glory to Jackson State.

Deion Sanders at Jackson State.AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.

Coach Prime stepped into Power 5 territory when he took over the Colorado Buffaloes in 2023.

Deion Sanders is introduced as the new head coach of Colorado football.AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Sanders and company have started off hot in Colorado.

Deion Sanders with the Colorado Buffaloes.John Leyba-USA TODAY Sports

Prime Time's NCAA takeover has renewed his cultural and brand influence.

Deion Sanders coaching the Colorado Buffaloes.Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Sanders' net worth is estimated to be around $45 million.

Deion Sanders appears on ESPN's "College GameDay."Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports

He's never been shy about enjoying the finer things in life.

Deion Sanders and his girlfriend, Tracey Edmonds, attend the 2023 NFL Honors award show.Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Sanders spends a pretty penny to live by his 'look good, feel good, play good, they pay good' mantra.

Deion Sanders wears a diamond-encrusted gold whistle and cross around his neck.John Leyba-USA TODAY Sports

He bought a multi-million-dollar home after taking the coaching job at Colorado.

Deion Sanders stands outside of his Colorado home.Well Off Media/YouTube

Sanders also owns a sprawling estate outside of Dallas.

Deion Sanders' house in Dallas.Well Off Media/YouTube

Sanders drives an array of different cars, ranging from speedy coupes to customized trucks.

Some of the cars in Deion Sanders' collection.Well Off Media/YouTube

He's also devotes a good amount of his fortune to philanthropic causes.

Deion Sanders attends the Do Something Awards in support of charitable causes.ANDREAS BRANCH/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

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