Michael Irvin defends Deion Sanders' career progression

Michael Irvin is no longer Deion Sanders‘ teammate, but he’s always got his back. In a recent piece by TIME, Irvin defended the Colorado head coach from those who criticize his journey in the coaching world.

“’I hate when people say dumb sh-t, like he didn’t pay his dues,” says his former Cowboys teammate Michael Irvin. “OK, how many of you head coaches in college right now started at the Little League level? If I’m going to be a great CEO one day, I want to start in the damn mail room, so I can learn every piece of the job along the way.’”

There are few people in the business who boast more football experience than Sanders. After playing college football at Florida State, Sanders played 14 seasons in the NFL. He was spectacular.

For his efforts, Sanders was selected for eight Pro Bowls, garnered six first-team All-Pros, and made consecutive Super Bowl appearances with the 49ers and the Cowboys, winning both. Sanders was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

Obviously, Sanders’ football experience isn’t limited to his playing days. From 2012-17, Sanders coached at three separate high schools, including Trinity Christian High School where his sons played. After a break in the coaching world, Sanders dipped his toes into college football at Jackson State.

Sanders revolutionized the FCS program, boasting a a 27−6 record during his three seasons at the helm. With momentum behind him, Sanders was named the Colorado head coach on Dec. 3, 2022. The Buffaloes have exceeded expectations in their first season.

The team won its first three games, defeating the defending national runner-ups in the season opener. While Colorado has lost its past two games, Sanders has plenty to be proud of. After all, it’s been a long journey.

A long road to the top for Deion Sanders

According to TIME’s Sean Gregory, Sanders interviewed at Florida State and Arkansas before ever coaching at Jackson State. Now, the 56-year-old head coach is working to put his program ahead of both of his former interests.

Irvin’s fellow Fox Sports analyst, Skip Bayless, certainly believes in Sanders.

“It’s undetermined yet what what his life path is going to be,” Bayless said on Undisputed. “They’re off to the races. They’re off to a great start, but Deion doesn’t want to just do great things. He wants to do the greatest thing, and I’m gonna say it again, he’s one man in sports and in life I don’t bet against.

“He feels like he’s on a literal mission from God like the Lord’s got him and is directing him where he is meant to go. And it might be in Colorado, it might be who knows, someplace named the National Football League.”