IRVING, Texas — Imagine this: Deion Sanders high-steps across the stage at the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony, circling his newly unveiled bust. He looks at it quizzically, as if something’s missing. He then reaches for his back pocket, pulls out a do-rag, places it on the head of the statue and smiles.
Why not? Even today, long after the “Prime Time” of his career, Sanders is all about being flashy.
For 14 seasons, Sanders strutted his stuff across the NFL, a threat to score — or at least shake things up — on defense, special teams and occasionally offense. His talent was undeniable, although often overshadowed by his flamboyance.
His induction Saturday night will seal his greatness. Getting in the first time he was on the ballot is further confirmation he was among the most dominant players of the 1990s, arguably one of the most dynamic players of any era. He’s also one of the most unique, a trendsetter whose legacy is still evident every Sunday.
“Deion had the ability to not only focus on his craft and play football at the highest level, he could also entertain,” said Eugene Parker, Sanders’ agent and close friend who will present him for induction. “He always used to say, ‘I do what I love and I love what I do.’ He wanted to express that exuberance for what he was doing.”