Deion Sanders’ Shoes and Style Evolution Through the Years [PHOTOS]

In 2023, Deion Sanders, along with Allen Iverson and Derek Jeter, were the first trio of athletes to be inducted into The GQ Sports Style Hall of Fame—and for good reason. Sanders has been the definition of flashy and cool, bringing a blend of flyness, style and confidence that had yet to be seen in the NFL. From the dollar sign earrings the football star wore during Draft Day in 1989 to his own signature Nike sneaker in 1993, Sanders’ influence on football expanded way beyond the field. His sense of style also shined through during games and inspired other players, while his penchant for sparkling jewelry—from stacked gold chains and bracelets to diamond rings—was passed down across the league and continues to be on full display with present day athletes.

Sanders played in the NFL for 14 seasons, as well as an additional nine seasons of Major League Baseball with several teams. He won two Super Bowl titles and made one World Series appearance in 1992, making him the only athlete to play in a Super Bowl and a World Series. When he was playing both football and baseball for the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta Braves in 1992, Sanders also signed his first contract with Nike. He released his first signature sneaker—the Air Diamond Turf—the following year. The sneakers and cleats continue to be fan favorites and lauded as one of the best as far as design and style among athletes. He parted ways with Nike at one point and signed with Under Armour in 2009, before reuniting with Nike in 2023 when he became the University of Colorado’s football head coach.

Now as Coach Prime, his style is a tad more subdued and his fashion choices have matured over the years. Yet he still carries a sense of flair, coolness and sophistication, and that same confidence that made him an overnight star all those years ago. Now that his son Shedeur Sanders has been drafted into the NFL, all eyes are on the Sanders family. Take a look back at some of Sanders’ best red carpet moments, his best designer footwear choices and some of his most standout coaching looks over the years.