For the past three weeks the Jackson State Tigers have taken the field without their head coach Deion Sanders. Coach Prime reportedly has been in recovery from toe/foot surgery, but there’s also been a rumor of an unspecified condition that he’s been dealing with as well.
‘We Have Truly Been Tested’| The Secrecy Surrounding Health of Deion Sanders Is Concerning
Football Scoop’s tweet on Monday night expressed just how serious Coach Prime’s situation really was, saying the Coach has also dealt with “significant trauma”
Not sure many people realize how serious the past few weeks have been for Deion Sanders’ health. I’m praying this is good news; because he has dealt with significant trauma. https://t.co/48BftkOFlu
— FootballScoop (@FootballScoop) November 9, 2021
Sanders Could Return To Sidelines Soon
Coach Prime hasn’t been active on social media since he announced that he needed to take time away, per doctor’s orders, to get rehabilitated. But on Monday a ray of hope that he’s close to returning came via a tweet:
Lord thank u for being who u said u were & doing what you're capable of doing but most of all Lord thank u for being there. Many are called & few are chosen because it only was a minimal there. I appreciate all of u. God bless. #CoachPrime #Truth
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) November 8, 2021
Tuesday he tweeted again, reminding everyone to count their blessings and don’t take life for granted.
I've trusted man, woman & child in the past but nothing like I trust JESUS. When u really go thru something & look around & the room is thin but JESUS is there from eyes open to eyes shut Goodnight is a real blessing. Don't take 2day for granted. Enjoy your life. #CoachPrime
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) November 9, 2021
While Sanders’ Tweets are welcome by the thousands of people concerned about his health, they are still very cryptic. Coach is doing a lot of praying and reflecting, which suggests he’s going through a tough time.
Zoom Conference With Interim HC
Coach Gary Harrell, whom Sanders has left to man the ship, spoke on the situation Monday during the SWAC’s weekly Zoom meeting.
"It's been a tremendous experience."
With @DeionSanders on the mend, Jackson State's acting head coach Gary Harrell (@CoachHarrellJSU) has kept things on track.
Tonight on @WLBT, we'll have much more on Harrell as JSU stares down a SWAC East title.@GoJSUTigersFB @GoJSUTigers pic.twitter.com/A9HltuRJGw
— Trey Mongrue (@TreyMongrue) November 9, 2021
“Coach Prime is doing well. He’s still in great spirits. I talked to him (Sunday) night, he is still planning on being here, hopefully this game but at least by next week.”
“He’s taking his time and I think he likes how things are going, how things are flowing. He still has the confidence and belief that we can do the things that he believes in doing and carrying out those assignments.”
Sounds like the Jackson State football family is expecting Sanders back by next week, but that might be wishful thinking, especially considering how inspired the team and coaches seem to be by his situation.
Jackson State Closing SWAC Title Game And Celebration Bowl Berths
Sitting at 8-1 overall, 6-0 in the SWAC and ranked 15th in the AFCA poll, the Tigers have looked the part all season. During Sanders’ absence they outscored their three opponents 111-52.
The Tigers hold a one-game leads over the Florida A&M Rattlers (7-2, 5-1) both overall and in the SWAC by virtue of their season-opening 7-6 win over them in Miami in the Orange Blossom Classic. They finish the regular season with games against the Southern Jaguars and Alcorn State Braves.
A win over Southern clinches the Eastern division of the SWAC and a berth in the conference championship game, as they look to win their first SWAC title since 2007. JSU is also looking to earn their first-ever berth in the Celebration Bowl, which pits the SWAC champion versus the MEAC champion.
Harrell said he has “maintained the same weekly approach which is a focus on day-to-day tasks” and maintaining Sanders’ standard “during the absence of Coach Prime,” which has included an extended hospital stay for Sanders since he announced weeks ago that his “team of doctors” had advised him to stay off the sidelines and focus on a full recovery.
This Is Just The Beginning For Sanders, JSU and HBCU Football
Sanders set out to change how Black college football is viewed, and he’s done just that by bringing unprecedented visibility and notoriety. Despite the rumors of Power Schools attempting to lure Sanders to their plush universities, his fervor and desire to help student-athletes is unmatched, and for that reason alone he’s committed to enhancing the HBCU culture.
Would Deion Sanders Leave Jackson State To Return To Alma Mater FSU?
His sons Sheduer and Shilo Sanders will continue to carry on the family name and the overall agenda in their father’s abscence.
