Nothing like launching a CU-centric sports blog the same week that rumors spread that Deion Sanders is being courted by Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys. Trying to keep up with what we factually know vs. what we read on message boards or what is being speculated about by clickbait media is a tough endeavor.
But given that this is now sort of my job, I’m going to attempt the Rodney Dangerfied Epic Triple Lindy Dive and separate fact from speculation by starting on the high dive and discussing “just the facts,” and then jumping down onto the lower diving board and making some educated guesses while trying to connect some of the facts. We’ll end with a couple of concluding thoughts (and hopefully not a belly flop).
Just the facts, ma’am:
- Rick George has made a contract offer to Deion Sanders.
- On Sunday evening (January 13th), and apparently out of the blue, Rick George sent an email out to CU supporters actively fundraising for student-athlete NIL opportunities.
- Deion Sanders is represented by SMAC Entertainment.
- On Tuesday (January 15th), Fox Sports’ NFL Insider Jordan Schultz was the first to report that Deion Sanders and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones had a “preliminary conversation” on Monday night about the Cowboys vacancy.
- Also on Tuesday (January 15th), Adam Schefter confirmed that Jerry Jones and Deion Sanders had an initial conversation, that “conversations will continue,” and that “Deion is intrigued with the job.”
- Today (January 16th), Jane Slater from the NFL Network tweeted that Deion Sanders approached Colorado AD Rick George on Tuesday about additional money for NIL and his staff and was “met with resistance.”
Just the facts with a side of Triple Lindy educated guessing sauce:
- Rick George has made a contract offer to Deion Sanders. The offer will make him one of the10 highest paid coaches in college football.
- On Sunday evening (January 13th), and apparently out of the blue, Rick George sent an email out to CU supporters actively fundraising for student-athlete NIL opportunities. The email was not, actually, out of the blue but was made in response to feedback received from Deion Sanders about perceived inadequacies regarding CU’s regarding NIL fundraising efforts. This may be the driving issue that remains between Deion Sanders and the CU Athletic Department.
- Deion Sanders is represented by SMAC Entertainment. So is Jordan Schultz — yep, the same Jordan Schultz that broke the story of Deion Sanders and the Dallas Cowboys having a preliminary conversation.
- Fox Sports’ NFL Insider Jordan Schultz was the first to report that Deion Sanders and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones had a “preliminary conversation” on Monday night about the Cowboys vacancy. Schultz was fed this information by Deion Sanders/SMAC Entertainment to show the benefit of working with their team. Deion Sanders was involved in this “leak” and therefore wanted the news out there. Why? Hmmmmm……
- Adam Schefter confirmed that Jerry Jones and Deion Sanders had an initial conversation, that “conversations will continue,” and that “Deion is intrigued with the job.” It’s clear at this point that a conversation between Deion Sanders and Jerry Jones did happen. They are old friends and have known each other for a long, long time. And Jerry Jones loves loves loves publicity. And who delivers more publicity in 2025 than Coach Prime? There’s no indication that this is anything other than a move by Deion Sanders to try to increase financial assurances (primarily NIL assurances) from the CU Athletic Department and key donors. See the email sent by Rick George on Sunday the 13th. This position is bolstered by comments made by Diane Russini, Senior NFL Insider for The Athletic. Today she told The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz that the Deion-to-Dallas story is “all smoke” and that, while a conversation happened, everyone’s kind of “wink-winking” the story and that “Jerry Jones starts making some phone calls, which is what he’s been doing for the last few days, and he’s reaching out to people,” and that while he did reach out to Deion Sanders, she just doesn’t “think that Deion Sanders is going to be at the top of the list at the end of the day when the Dallas Cowboys start these interviews.” The Cowboys have asked for permission to interview Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. For what it’s worth, Kellen Moore is now the favorite to coach the Dallas Cowboys next season according to Polymarket.
- Today (June 16th), Jane Slater from the NFL Network tweeted that Deion Sanders approached Colorado AD Rick George on Tuesday about additional money for NIL and his staff and was “met with resistance.” And this, my friends, is the part of the story that should make us nervous. It shows how critically Deion Sanders views NIL assurances from the university and key donors. This flirtation with the Cowboys is probably a leverage play – not for a higher salary for Deion Sanders, but rather for more financial accommodations to be made for paying players and assistant coaches.
Connecting breadcrumbs: CU and Deion Sanders have been in discussions regarding a new extension. A hiccup emerged this week over NIL and assistant salary dollars and, while Rick George is working to shore up financial commitments, Deion Sanders used his SMAC connections to “leak” the news to put more pressure on Rick George to provide more financial assurances, and Jerry Jones — who always loves publicity — is willing to help an old friend. So, is this a nothingburger? Not quite. While CU fans need to learn to hit the mute button more often when it comes to the national media, it’s clear that there were discussions between Jerry Jones and Deion Sanders. While they were probably held on a “wink wink” basis, CU needs to be careful not to overplay its hand as it’s possible that platonic friends can fall in love while just grabbing lunch at Applebee’s. Still, remember that this story is perfect timing for Deion Sanders as he negotiates an extension. Everything is now on the table — his salary, yes, but more importantly, NIL and assistant coaching salaries. I think Deion Sanders knows that his best chance to build a legacy while changing the lives of young men is to remain in Boulder. Let’s hope CU and its donors can make that happen.
-John
John, you’re so knowledgeable! Way to go buddy!!