It’s safe to say Deion Sanders’ return to Nike has delivered in a big way. Since announcing a new deal with the brand in July 2023, the Colorado Buffaloes head coach’s signature line has made its anticipated return to stores, been worn by Buffaloes players on the field and been given custom makeovers for LeBron James and Sanders himself. The comeback will continue come spring, with a reissue of Sanders’ first Nike shoe for the first time in eight years.
Slotted for a spring 2025 launch is the Nike Air Diamond Turf in its original “Atlanta Falcons” colorway. Originally released in 1993, this Air Diamond Turf matched the colors of the team he spent his early NFL career with. Although the style is sometimes erroneously nicknamed “49ers” as its colors resemble that of the team, Sanders’ brief stint with the San Francisco squad took place in 1994 and he actually wore this Air Diamond Turf during his final season in Atlanta.
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Worn by “Coach Prime” while famously playing professionally in both the NFL and MLB at the same time, the Nike Air Diamond Turf is one of the sportswear brand’s most popular retro training sneakers. Its design is representative of 1990s Nike cross-training shoes with its wide midfoot strap and bold coloring.
The “Atlanta Falcons” colorway has been frequently reissued, with retro releases in 2005, 2010, 2017. Pairs of the most recent release are listed on sneaker consignment store Flight Club with starting prices of $1,550.
The elder Sanders isn’t the only family member reaping the benefits of a Nike partnership. The brand announced in August it had signed Deion’s son, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, to an NIL deal that will include his own footwear and apparel. During an August 27 podcast, Shedeur expressed interest in carrying on his father’s signature shoe legacy.
“I would want to build on it, have like a different version,” said the Buffaloes quarterback.
As of publishing, the original Nike Air Diamond Turf “Atlanta Falcons” colorway is expected to be released on February 12 for a retail price of $150. Be sure to check back as this story will be updated with official confirmation and product images of the new iteration, which has a SKU of FZ8224-100. Images of the ’17 retro appear below.
