Deion Sanders leaves NFL Network after 14 years as an on-air analyst at the company.
Sanders’ contract expired and NFL Network confirmed that Sanders would leave. There are reports that the parties could not agree on a contract and that Sanders wants to be in coaching.
Deion Sanders, NFL Network sharing ways
Deion Sanders will no longer be with NFL Network. (AP Photo / Gail Burton, File)
Sanders, 53, apparently agreed to a new deal, but later decided to leave the network instead, per John Ourand at Sports Business Daily. The New York Post reported that the NFL Network wanted Sanders to take a pay cut of “what is certainly a seven-plus-figure salary.”
NFL VP of Communications Alex Riethmiller said in a statement:
“Deion has been one of the main figures responsible for the growth of NFL Network. We thank him for his work and wish him all the best for the future. ‘
His show “21 & Prime” was cut last year as part of an overall NFL budget cut, per the Post.
The cornerback of the Hall of Fame was one of the network’s longest-serving employees. He started there in 2006 after playing 14 seasons in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington and the Baltimore Ravens. In 2011, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and his 53 career interceptions are tied for 24th in NFL history.
Sanders is looking for coaching
Sanders has been talking about coaching football for the past year. He was an offensive coordinator for his sons’ high school teams in previous seasons.
Shedeur Sanders is one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2021 class and has committed himself to Florida Atlantic. Sanders’ older son, Shilo, is a cornerback in South Carolina.
Sanders last fall sought to become the coach of his alma mater, Florida State. The day after reports surfaced that he was a candidate, it was reported that he never was.
In a segment on the Dan Patrick Show in January, Sanders said he will be a head coach in the college football league next year.
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