Pro Football Hall of Fame: Why Deion Sanders Deserves 'Primetime' Spot

Deion Sanders may be known for his prime time playmaking, but he is now in another echelon: the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio will induct their 2011 class, which includes other men such as Shannon Sharpe, Marshall Faulk and NFL Films founder, Ed Sabol. Yet, Deion may be the best athlete to have ever laced up his cleats in the NFL and may be the very best cover cornerback of all time.

A three-sport athlete from Florida State University, Sanders won the Jim Thorpe Award in 1988 before being drafted in the first round by the Atlanta Falcons, where he posted a 4.1 40-yard-dash.

Since his first start in the NFL, Sanders was a feared cornerback who could cover his side of the field, almost creating the moniker of a “shutdown corner.” He has intercepted 53 passes, with nine of those interceptions being run back for touchdowns. 

Sanders was also known for his return skills, as he ran back six punts and three kick returns for touchdowns.

And, if that wasn’t enough, Deion Sanders also won two Super Bowls (with the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys), all the while playing Major League Baseball and partaking on the offensive end of the field as a wide receiver from time to time. 

Even at 37 years old, Sanders was still good enough for an NFL team like the Baltimore Ravens to pick him up, where he concluded his NFL career.

While known for his controversial statements and overpowering star power, Neon Deion never let his ego destroy the chemistry of a team (just ask Jerry Rice, since Deion and him clashed publicly, and they still won a Super Bowl).

In this day and age where the NFL has been tainted with huge egomaniacs, no one has ever played up to his persona quite like Deion Sanders. To say the very least, prime time talked big and played big.

Looking at Deion’s numbers, career, and playing style, it’s a given that prime time earned his bust in the Hall of Fame. Possibly one of the greatest corners and athletes to ever suit up in the NFL, people should finally see how Deion has changed the sport forever.

His cover corner style, punt and kick returns and his athleticism are all traits worthy of a Hall of Famer.

Canton’s ready for prime time, and I sure hope to see Neon Deion high step to the podium to accept his big moment in the Hall of Fame.