Deion Sanders shares touching interaction with Jimmy Horn Jr., father

Colorado‘s Week 1 upset victory over TCU was well documented, providing one of the most memorable moments early in the college football season.

But Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders recently shared a heartfelt moment between himself and wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. that happened behind the scenes following the victory.

“One of the best moments I had on Saturday, Jimmy was getting on the plane and he said, ‘Hey man, perfect timing, my pops on the phone.’ And you know, Jimmy’s pop is incarcerated, but just to have a conversation with his father,” Sanders said.

Horn was one of four Colorado pass catchers to reach the 100-yard mark in Week 1, recording 11 catches for 117 yards and a touchdown in his Buffaloes debut. He caught a 26-yard touchdown pass from Shedeur Sanders in a huge moment in the fourth quarter to give Colorado a 38-35 lead.

“His father said, ‘You told us he was gonna take care of him, he was gonna look out for him.’ And his father was so happy and elated,” Sanders said. “Like that’s what you look for, that’s what you want. But to have that conversation as he was getting on the plane, him also being affirmed by his father, that does a lot. That does a lot for a young man.”

Horn like many others took a leap of faith and transferred to Colorado this offseason from USF, putting his trust in Sanders and already reaping the benefits early in the college football season. As Horn detailed the special relationship he has built with his head coach during his short amount of time in Boulder.

“With Coach Prime, he reminds me so much of my pops. And then when I hit him to talk my Dad was really happy to talk to him, because he stood on everything he said he was gonna do. So he’s taking care of me, making sure I’m good mentally, physically, and emotionally,” Horn said. “So he’s doing his part and he stood on everything he said. Coach Prime is a man of his word, my pops a man of his word, so that’s why it’s only right that I’m here.”

Sanders’ headlining quotes and swagger soak up a lot of the spotlight, but the special bond he’s created with his players I also undeniable and evident through his relationship with Horn.

The Buffs will look to build on their hot start this Saturday, as they host Nebraska at noon ET in a game airing on FOX.