September 21, 2020 wasn’t chronicled in cover stories featured in popular American daily newspapers and columns of elite sportswriters.
The “HBCU Culture Vulture” hooted in the chat room, but mostly sat in silence and waited from a distance.
They were ready to pounce and condemn, but now they are spoiled with flattery and praise.
Deion Sanders is HBCU football. His on-field success with Jackson State University and his bold message to HBCUs has led to the interest of his erstwhile detractors to write glossy covers his stories and in-depth interviews. .
Jackson State Tigers head coach Deion Sanders watches during a warmup as the Alabama State Hornets take on the Jackson State Tigers on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022 at ASU Stadium in Montgomery, Alabama. Credit: © Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK
Sanders himself, the gift of knowing his brand
Sanders deftly took a negative turn, subverted that intent, and created a grassroots marketing effort that rivaled the millions of advertising agencies on Madison Avenue. At one point, the media had nothing to do with Coach Prime until Travis Hunter.
Recruiting a recruit named Travis Hunter has been exposed and publicly condemned by Power 5 coaches and conservative media darlings.
HBCUs competing for five-star recruits were unacceptable to them. Their hope is that Coach Prime will move beyond his HBCU football to claim Power 5 status in 2023.
“He has raised concerns among the Power 5 program that HBCUs are an alternative for young (mostly black) players who are skeptical of the regular football factory. And damn, Sanders is quotable. is,” John Wertheim writes of Sanders and his “60 Minutes” feature.
turn the tables
Today, those same naysayers want to understand, promote, and celebrate the Deion Sanders brand and those closest to him. completed the transaction. Amid Sanders’ recent acclaim and coaching notoriety, the “culture vultures” are here.
Keisha Kelly of The Black College Experience tweeted“Not everyone is for HBCU. Stop giving access culture vultureSanders isn’t a media darling of ’15 Minutes of Fame’ or a winner of the ‘Flavor of the Month’ club. he’s the coach he’s the prime he’s the baby
He is and will always be a brand.
Jackson State University head coach Deion Sanders is seen during the NCAA college football game against Mississippi Valley State University on Saturday, September 24, 2022 in Jackson, Mississippi.
COACH PRIME DEEP COMMITMENT
When I was young, I often heard my mentor, Mr. Harris, say, “With success comes great responsibility.” Responsibilities are deep, not shallow.
Providing access to supporters and “culture vultures” is part of the game.Former New Orleans Saints legend and now sports broadcaster Deuce McAllister hinted at Sanders’ responsibility in the Jackson State vs. Bethune Cookman contest. and do not [to leave for a Power 5 coaching position]he is accountable to assistant coaches and others who can succeed from his decisions.
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A Jackson State official said, “Coach Sanders really cares about his coach because his decisions will help improve their lives and their families.”
An HBCU like Jackson State University can’t offer real monetary value to Sanders and his aide the way Power 5 does. They are in his JSU because they believe in Sanders and what the program is doing for his young players. So, “If he leaves, it’s for them.”
Jackson State Football Coach Deion Sanders at the Prime Time Takeover panel discussion as part of Sanders’ birthday celebrations held at the Sheraton Refuge Hotel & Golf Course in Flowood, Mississippi, Friday, August 5, 2022. I am answering your question. Tcl HatDion Sanders
Here’s what Coach Prime said to Jon Wertheim in an interview about the Power 5 coming to him.
CP: Yes, I have to entertain it. Straight. i would be a fool Let me tell you something I am asking the Lord — when I pause, I am not at a loss for words. I’m trying to understand how I’m going to tell you that — this is my biggest concern: I have several staff members who have been with me for the last 20 years since I started playing youth football There are several people on staff who have coached professional football. Few of them entered from high school, some have already attended college.my highest paid coach [earning] $125,000; something like that.
JW: $125,000?
CP: Yes. Am I a blessing to him? Or am I holding him back? These are my guys, so I really need to consider those things. The Bible says that your staff and your staff will comfort me. These guys give me comfort, man. Without these people, I wouldn’t be who I am today. And I always have to make sure I’m doing what’s best for them.
JW: I’ll have a chance to bring my men —
CP: That’s right. it’s not about me. Because whatever they give me it’s not going to change my lifestyle. But it’s going to change theirs…it’s going to change the whole trajectory of their family So I really have to think about it.
It’s a tremendous amount of pressure and responsibility, but for Deion Sanders, it’s about helping others.
HBCU culture understands him for the most part. They may not all agree with him—sometimes. But HBCU sports fans and opponents can always honor your responsibility to help others affected by your decisions.
That’s the missing element in his mainstream media coverage. They are unable to understand and interpret responsibility. It’s inherent in our culture, and his HBCU’s culture.
Whatever the “culture vultures” may perceive, HBCU football is just a medium for many coaches and young players. After hours of movies, training, practices, defeats, and victories, life still goes on.
Whatever career path a coach or player chooses, Coach Prime always wants them to live an abundant and prosperous life. This cultural mission and responsibility of his HBCU has been with him for over a century and will not go away easily.
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