The Many Sports of Deion Sanders: From NFL to the Track

Deion Sanders is a name that echoes through many sports halls. He's known for his legendary career in the NFL and MLB—but did you know he was also quite the runner back in his college days? While many admire his skills on the football and baseball fields, few know he excelled in track and field at Florida State University. Former sprinter Fitzroy Dunkley revealed Deion's impressive track records, running 100 meters in 10. 26 seconds and 200 meters in 20. 71 seconds. This speed wasn't just a bonus; it was a turning point in his career. Imagine Deion's talent fueling his sports journey. He was drafted into the NFL and MLB—something only a handful of athletes, like Jim Thorpe and Bo Jackson, have achieved. His speed was his secret weapon. During the 1989 NFL combine, Deion blazed through the 40-yard dash in 4. 27 seconds. This level of speed puts him in the league of Olympic legends like Carl Lewis and Florence Griffith Joyner.But the speed didn't stop at football and baseball. Sanders also dipped his toes into basketball. So impressive was his skill that he almost joined the NBA, invited by Stan Kasten, the president of the Atlanta Hawks. Sanders shared with Sports Illustrated that he almost played for the Hawks while already in the Braves, which would have made him a triple-threat pro athlete. Deion's versatility and achievements in multiple sports show that speed and talent can break barriers. Whether on the track, field, court, or diamond, his impact is undeniable. His recent role as the Colorado Buffaloes coach, despite its challenges, only adds to his legendary status.