Deion Sanders

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Lore & Background

Sanders' time with the Atlanta Falcons was defined by his dual commitment to football and baseball. In 1989, he made history as the only player ever to hit a home run in MLB and score a touchdown in the NFL during the same week. While playing for the New York Yankees that summer, Sanders used his position on the diamond as leverage during contract disputes with the Falcons. His presence on the field was magnetic; teammates and opponents alike recognized his extraordinary ability to dominate games. Despite leaving Atlanta briefly due to contract issues and later returning in 1994, his impact remained profound. He won two Super Bowl titles, though not with the Falcons, cementing a legacy of elite performance that transcended any single franchise.

In Their Own Story

On May 31, 1989, Deion Sanders made his MLB debut with the New York Yankees while still under contract with the Atlanta Falcons. That same week, he scored a touchdown in an NFL game and hit a home run in baseball, a feat never before accomplished by any player. The summer of 1989 saw Sanders embroiled in a contract dispute with the Falcons, leading him to use his baseball role as leverage. In 1990, tensions flared during a game against the Chicago White Sox when he engaged in a heated exchange with catcher Carlton Fisk after failing to run out a routine pop fly. Fisk called Sanders a "piece of shit," prompting Sanders to retort that "the days of slavery are over." These moments highlighted his unapologetic personality and refusal to conform to traditional expectations, making him one of the most talked-about athletes of his era.

Reader's Guide

Deion Sanders entered the NFL as the fifth overall pick in the 1989 draft by the Atlanta Falcons. He quickly established himself as a premier cornerback, earning eight Pro Bowl selections and six first-team All-Pro honors throughout his career. His versatility allowed him to excel as a punt returner and coverage specialist, often changing the momentum of games with spectacular plays. Sanders played for the Falcons from 1989 until 1993 before moving on to other teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys. During this period, he also pursued a nine-season MLB career, playing for four different baseball clubs. His ability to balance both sports at the highest level remains unmatched in professional athletics history.

Did You Know?

• Sanders was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the sixth round of the 1985 MLB draft but chose to attend Florida State University instead.
• He is the only athlete in history to play in both a Super Bowl and a World Series.
• In 1989, Sanders became the first player ever to hit an MLB home run and score an NFL touchdown in the same week.
• His number 2 jersey was retired by Florida State University in 1995 after he broke Fred Biletnikoff's interception return record by one yard.