- NCAA. Winning a conference title won't help teams in College Football Playoff, tiebreaker will be decided different
- NCAA. Deion Sanders is generating millions at Colorado but the school might no be getting the same share
Deion Sanders is no stranger to taking care of his players like family, but now, the Colorado Buffs head coach is fighting for more than just victories on the field. Sanders recently made an emotional public plea, calling for the release of Jimmy Horn Sr., the father of Colorado wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr.
Horn Sr. is currently incarcerated on drug-related charges. As the 2024 season approaches, Coach Prime knows his star WR needs his father's more than ever, and he's not staying silent.
Sanders, known for his motivational messages, took a break from practice to address fans directly via Well Off Media. The coach, who has always cared deeply for his players, spoke about Horn Jr.'s personal struggles due to his father's long-term incarceration.
"For those that are truly involved, your honor, I just want to tell you candidly that I'm praying for Jimmy Horn Sr., who's been incarcerated for a multitude of years," Sanders said.
This is some really powerful stuff from Deion Sanders...
Colorado WR Jimmy Horn was having a rough game, so Deion pulled him aside and gave him an important message.
He told Horn that his dad, who is in prison, was watching him play.
"He's watching you right now. He wants to... pic.twitter.com/KjU8Xm0ZWh
? JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) September 21, 2023
Sanders is convinced that Horn Sr. is rehabilitated
The Buffs' coach didn't stop there, sharing that he had personally spoken with Jimmy Horn Sr. and believes in his transformation. "I just want you to know I've talked to Jimmy Horn Sr., and truly he has served a multitude of years. He has repented of what has transpired, and he is truly a different man."
With Colorado aiming to make a major splash in the Big 12, Sanders emphasized that players like Horn Jr. need to be in the best mental and physical shape.
"I just wish to God you could see in your heart an opportunity that he could come out of incarceration and have a chance to resume his fatherly responsibility, in which he was very, very good at," Sanders pleaded.
Fans quickly rallied behind Sanders' emotional appeal, flooding the comment section with . One fan ionately wrote, "FREE MR HORN!!!!!!! He needs to be cheering j5 in the stands!!!" Another echoed the sentiment, saying, "Yes GOD praying Jimmy Sr. home soon, free that man."
Jimmy Horn Jr. needs his father
Horn Jr., who has been a rising star on the Buffaloes roster, posted impressive stats over the past two seasons, racking up 67 receptions for 959 yards and four touchdowns. His prowess on special teams, with 16 kick returns, has also made him a standout player.
But despite his on-field success, the absence of his father has weighed heavily on him, especially as he enters what could be his final season in college football before heading to the NFL.
In addition to his athletic achievements, Horn Jr. is pursuing a degree in communication from the University of Colorado, making it all the more important for him to have his father's guidance and presence.
As one fan put it, "Praying for Jimmy Horn Sr. and Jr. People can change and be rehabilitated. I know it will mean the world to Jimmy Horn Jr. to have his father see him play in person before he heads to the NFL."