Deion Sanders is putting his voice behind one of college sports’ biggest policy fights, and he’s not doing it quietly.
The Colorado coach appears in a commercial supporting the Protect College Sports Act, the bill backed by Texas Sen. Ted Cruz that has been shaped by the sport’s ongoing battles over the transfer portal, NIL rules, revenue-sharing caps and even the question of whether NFL rookies should be allowed to return to college rosters.
Sanders frames his support around opportunity and access, saying in the ad: "The biggest crowds. The brightest lights.
Now that's Prime Time. And as a coach and father, I am helping the next generation find their spotlight.
That's why I support the Protect College Sports Act. It gives student-athletes a chance to shine on and off the field; strengthens Historically Black Colleges and Universities; and keeps both men and women's sports strong.
Help student-athletes get their Prime Time moment, baby," Sanders said in the ad.
Nick Saban is in the same camp. The former Alabama coach, now part of ESPN College GameDay, has also fronted a commercial for the bill, with his ad running during the opening weekend of college football. Saban has been blunt about the disorder in the sport and believes schools should not be allowed to add professional players back to their rosters.
The ads are tied to Texas Tech booster Cody Campbell, who founded the nonprofit paying for both spots and has been pushing hard for the legislation. Campbell highlighted Sanders’ reach when he posted the commercial and wrote, "When @DeionSanders speaks about College Sports (or any sports) people should listen!
He was not only a legendary athlete, but also deeply cares about current and former athletes, and understands that the value of sports goes far beyond what happens on the field our court!" Campbell posted.
Sanders brings a perspective that few in the sport can match. He’s not only a former pro star and the coach at Colorado, but he’s also guided his sons, Shilo and Shedeur Sanders, through college football. That gives him direct experience with recruiting, the transfer portal and the NFL Draft process from multiple angles, even if his family’s path has been far from typical.
For now, Sanders’ off-field message will likely keep showing up during commercial breaks as the campaign continues. On the field, Colorado has more immediate business: the Buffaloes host Weber State on Saturday, Sept. 12, with kickoff set for 4:30 p.m.
MT. Colorado is coming off a dramatic comeback win over Georgia Tech and is favored by 34.5 points over the Wildcats, per FanDuel Sportsbook.
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