Deion Sanders Highlights HBCU Prospects Ahead of NFL Draft

“I’m not thinking about legacy. I don’t care about that. I care about winning games and changing lives and provoking change in whatever I touch,” Sanders said. “Eddie George has done a wonderful job at Tennessee State. Hue Jackson coming into Grambling, raising the bar there is going to be tremendous. Willie Simmons at (Florida A&M) and some of the other notable persons, Coach (Fred) McNair at Alcorn, are some guys that can really coach the game and they’re able to take this thing to another level. I’m thankful and pleased that I have Aflac partnering with me to bring shine, so to speak, and shed light on what we’re doing, especially with this Prime Prospects. It’s unbelievable.”

Aflac’s new advertisement, named “Believe,” features Sanders and will air during the draft. The campaign reflects Aflac’s “Close the Gap” initiative, which centers on educating, supporting and advocating for those underserved and overlooked.

“We’re doing a better job of the exposure,” Sanders said. “We’re often overlooked and under exposed, which is something that we’re trying to tackle right now. … We’re trying our best to bring light to all those. It’s just absurd to me. I know pro football. I worked at the NFL Network for almost two decades and played for 14 years. I know what a professional looks like, and there are a multitude of these young men that can play the game at the next level, if given the opportunity. When you don’t see a player visually, it’s hard to understand that he’s equipped and he could participate. If you didn’t see the players from Alabama on television every darn week, I’m pretty sure the number that they’re circulating into the NFL would cease a bit. You never see these kids and you don’t understand what they’re capable of, and I’m telling you they can play this game.”

In 2021, Aflac donated $75,000 to the Jackson State University athletic department for professional development, as well as $25,000 as a supporting partner of Sanders’ football camp. Aflac will donate an additional $100,000 in 2022 to help Sanders continue his mission of mentoring young athletes.

His “Prime Prospects” are: Florida A&M safety Antwan Collier and offensive lineman Keenan Forbes; Alabama A&M quarterback Aqeel Glass and wide receivers Dee Anderson and Zabrian Moore; Jackson State defensive end/linebacker James Houston and wide receiver Keith Corbin; Norfolk State defensive lineman De’Shaan Dixon; Alabama State running back Ezra Gray; NC A&T running back Jah-Maine Martin; Mississippi Valley State linebacker Jerry Garner; Fayetteville State defensive back Joshua Williams; Southern University wide receiver Marquis McClain; Fort Valley State wide receiver Shemar Bridges; Bowie State defensive back Tevin Singleton; Virginia State safety Will Adams.

“I’m happy in the role that God has chosen for me,” Sanders said. “I’m happy to be where I am, and I tell people all the time I know I’m employed at Jackson State, but I’m working for the whole HBCU.”