Deion Sanders

[dada]

As I scan message boards.....read comments....a lot of people seem to have issues with Deion being in the hall of fame......I beg to differ....maybe the naysayers are too young to remember or has only lived through the "Spread Age".....but Deion was hands down the best at his position in my opinion...."Yeah, but he couldnt tackle"......that argument is like saying, "Yeah, but Emmit couldnt pass the ball"......Deion took away half the field....literally. If Rivas is an "Island"...He's Honolulu.....Deion was Austrailia......."No Fly Zone"....sure his was cocky......but dude could play......both sides of the ball......Scored a TD six different ways in his career........plus.......was a helluva baseball player.

[su4c]

I think a lot of "old heads" resent Deion for being one of the first to bring that diva attitude to the NFL spotlight.. but you can't make an athletic argument against him.

[dada]

I think a lot of "old heads" resent Deion for being one of the first to bring that diva attitude to the NFL spotlight.. but you can't make an athletic argument against him.

Which is suprising...you would think the Old heads would appreciate what he's done.....only player to hit a home run and score a touchdown in the same week, played in the Super Bowl and World Series....and did I mention....a LOCK DOWN corner? Diva...YES.......I agree with you on that one.

[SV61]

For me, personally, I can't stand him. He is arrogant, and has absolutely no problem letting everyone know it. His condesending attitude will always rub people the wrong way. Not terribly different than Howard Cossel, or in some regards, Muhammad Ali. I can NOT understand why Deon is on TV at all. I can't change the channel fast enough, when I see his smirky little face. Kinda like Chris Collinsworth. He comes across as a know it all sometimes. But at least Collinsworth can talk about stuff, without having to include himself in every discussion.

As a Football player, though, he was in fact one of the greatest coverage cornerbacks to this point. There CAN be an argument made, that his tackling sucked (it did), so he wasn't a complete defender. Defense, you HAVE to be able to tackle. It isn't as focused as Offense, where you don't have to be able to throw the ball, or run with the ball.

But, when Deon was in his prime, you did not throw to his side, in Man Coverage. Speaking of which, did teams EVER run zone, when Sanders was on the field?

[dada]

For me, personally, I can't stand him. He is arrogant, and has absolutely no problem letting everyone know it. His condesending attitude will always rub people the wrong way. No terribly different than Howard Cossel, or in some regards, Muhammad Ali. I can NOT understand why Deon is on TV at all. I can't change the channel fast enough, when I see his smirky little face. Kinda like Chris Collinsworth. He comes across as a know it all sometimes. But at least Collinsworth can talk about stuff, without having to include himself in every discussion.

As a Football player, though, he was in fact one of the greatest coverage cornerbacks to this point. There CAN be an argument made, that his tackling sucked (it did), so he wasn't a complete defender. Defense, you HAVE to be able to tackle. It isn't as focused as Offense, where you don't have to be able to throw the ball, or run with the ball.

But, when Deon was in his prime, you did not throw to his side, in Man Coverage. Speaking of which, did teams EVER run zone, when Sanders was on the field?

According to Deion...tackling was a "Business Decision" lol, but like you say.....offenses played only half the field when deion was out there....you forget about his side.

[SV61]

According to Deion...tackling was a "Business Decision" lol, but like you say.....offenses played only half the field when deion was out there....you forget about his side.

LOL, like the time he was up to bat, and Carlton Fisk was the nearing the end of his career. They didn't get along too well. Fisk yelled at him one time, for not running out a fly ball. Another time Sanders was up to bat, and Fisk drew a "0" with his cleats in the dirt. Sanders saw that, and drew a "$" in the dirt. I think they had to be seperated.

:D

[SLC93]

Like him or not, Deion Sanders was the greatest cover corner to ever play this game. Period. Add to that the fact he also ranks as one of the most feared return men of all time and why is there any doubt? Oh, he also managed to play some offense, too.

Yes, corners should tackle but few do and even fewer do it well. I think if you polled defensive linemen, linebackers and safeties they would all tell you they'd gladly take Sanders skill set versus a corner that will pop in run support. You have no idea what his presence allowed coordinators to do with their schemes with the front 7. How much better were the other db's by having a third of the field taken care of, without question?

Sanders was an arse. He remains abrassive due to a confidence overflow. None of that has anything to do with his play.

[ThEgReAtOnE]

Best Cover Corner, ever. Period! And as far as the old timers hating Deion, they need to look in the mirror. Butkas, Namath, Deacon, Randy, Hollywood, and many, many other players were just as cocky, arrogant, and as much as crap-talker as Deion was. They need to accept that the game has evolved, but one thing has never changed... the attitude of a successful rich person. It's my opinion that if 75% of the NFL players, from year 1975, would've received the kind of contracts that players have received over the recent yrs (past 10-15 yrs), they'd have been pretty outlandish (immature and stupid), too. Old timers shouldn't throw stones from a glass-house.

[mike03car]

When Neon played in college and pros, I REALLY loathed the MAN. But, I SURE wish he was on MY team! He is absolutely THE best cornerback in history, PERIOD. Revis calls him daddy. I'm pleased the HOF voters inducted him on first ballot; a COMPLETE no brainer.

[Matthew 2000 Eagle]

If character mattered, then LT wouldn't be in there. We all know LT was a straight up fool.

Deion was a no brainer!

[E-Vol-ution]

Prime more than proved himself.........what receiver could ever claim that Sanders couldn't shut him down? What QB could ever claim he would throw at Deion with no hesitation?

[dada]

Prime more than proved himself.........what receiver could ever claim that Sanders couldn't shut him down? What QB could ever claim he would throw at Deion with no hesitation?

He talked the talk and walked the walk.....I was on a fence...I LOVED Florida St....didnt care for the Falcons, Loved the Niners......hated the Cowboys

[slorch]

Which is suprising...you would think the Old heads would appreciate what he's done.....only player to hit a home run and score a touchdown in the same week, played in the Super Bowl and World Series....and did I mention....a LOCK DOWN corner? Diva...YES.......I agree with you on that one.

actually, i get accused of being too "old school" from time to time; and I think it would have been a travesty for Sanders NOT to be elected to the HoF on the first ballot. Very seldom do people live up to their billing. He did.

[slorch]

"Two thirds of the Earth are covered by water. The rest is covered by Deion Sanders."

Loved that poster for it's duality in truth.

[lonny23]

As I scan message boards.....read comments....a lot of people seem to have issues with Deion being in the hall of fame......I beg to differ....maybe the naysayers are too young to remember or has only lived through the "Spread Age".....but Deion was hands down the best at his position in my opinion...."Yeah, but he couldnt tackle"......that argument is like saying, "Yeah, but Emmit couldnt pass the ball"......Deion took away half the field....literally. If Rivas is an "Island"...He's Honolulu.....Deion was Austrailia......."No Fly Zone"....sure his was cocky......but dude could play......both sides of the ball......Scored a TD six different ways in his career........plus.......was a helluva baseball player.
Dude could make plays and score and that kept people away from his side. He baited QB's and had great closing speed. It didn't matter how many INT's he got because most were scared to throw his way. Slant routes over the middle were the only way to beat Deion.

[slorch]

Then he had M. Hanks, D. Woodson, and later Ed Reed to blast folks that beat him to the inside.

[dragonsdaddy]

i heard neon challenge anyone to find videos of him turning down a tackle, ever. considering the angst he causes among purists, you'd think if such footage existed, it would have been highlighted. dude didn't have lots of opportunities due to the onesided ness of the field. few have ever deserved first ballot hof acceptance more than deion.

[b756561]

For me, personally, I can't stand him. He is arrogant, and has absolutely no problem letting everyone know it. His condesending attitude will always rub people the wrong way. No terribly different than Howard Cossel, or in some regards, Muhammad Ali. I can NOT understand why Deon is on TV at all. I can't change the channel fast enough, when I see his smirky little face. Kinda like Chris Collinsworth. He comes across as a know it all sometimes. But at least Collinsworth can talk about stuff, without having to include himself in every discussion.

As a Football player, though, he was in fact one of the greatest coverage cornerbacks to this point. There CAN be an argument made, that his tackling sucked (it did), so he wasn't a complete defender. Defense, you HAVE to be able to tackle. It isn't as focused as Offense, where you don't have to be able to throw the ball, or run with the ball.

But, when Deon was in his prime, you did not throw to his side, in Man Coverage. Speaking of which, did teams EVER run zone, when Sanders was on the field?

This whole post represents my views exactly. Hated the showboat, loved the player's ability. Flat out best corner to ever play the game (IMO.) Could not stand and still hate the individual.

[slorch]

as far as best of all time, Dick "Night Train" Lane says, 'Howdy."

[b756561]

as far as best of all time, Dick "Night Train" Lane says, 'Howdy."

Night Train Lane was easily the best of his time period. I give him full credit for that. Neon Deon is the best of ALL-TIME. Again, in my most humble (but most accurate :D) opinion.

[mike03car]

as far as best of all time, Dick "Night Train" Lane says, 'Howdy."

I believe it was in the 70's when the defensive back position became more defined as Safety and Corner Back. Dick was of course an all around Defensive Back from '54-'63, one of the best at making interceptions, and one of the most feared hitters of the era (his way of saying "Howdy" as pointed out).

[BackNBlack87]

"Two thirds of the Earth are covered by water. The rest is covered by Deion Sanders."

Loved that poster for it's duality in truth.

I had that poster. I wasnt a Cowboys fan, but I was a Deion fan.

Best CORNERBACK, ever. Not a cover corner... best ever. One of the most exciting players in the game. We're gonna hear the same reactions when T.O. gets into the hall... but personality aside... they are some of the greatest to lace up the cleats.

[dragonsdaddy]

I had that poster. I wasnt a Cowboys fan, but I was a Deion fan.

Best CORNERBACK, ever. Not a cover corner... best ever. One of the most exciting players in the game. We're gonna hear the same reactions when T.O. gets into the hall... but personality aside... they are some of the greatest to lace up the cleats.

to couldn't catch as good as deion, and that's not a good thing for a wr. too many drops. you can't use those 2 in the same sentence without throwing up in your moth just a little.

[BackNBlack87]

to couldn't catch as good as deion, and that's not a good thing for a wr. too many drops. you can't use those 2 in the same sentence without throwing up in your moth just a little.

T.O. is one of the best to play in the NFL, ever.

Deion is the best CB ever.

Both will be in the HOF.

[Point Made...]

T.O. is one of the best to play in the NFL, ever.

Deion is the best CB ever.

Both will be in the HOF.


C'mon now...best and "reliable" should go hand-in-hand.

"Love Me" was good most of the time...but when a play, first down or touchdown was on the line... and the pass NEEDED to be caught..."reliable" was mostly M.I.A...:D

[slorch]

C'mon now...best and "reliable" should go hand-in-hand.

"Love Me" was good most of the time...but when a play, first down or touchdown was on the line... and the pass NEEDED to be caught..."reliable" was mostly M.I.A...:D

T.O. has the stats, but so do Chris Carter and Tim Brown and they're not HoFers yet.

I'd say he was CLUTCH on this play:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzThn8pkpC0

[SLC93]

T.O. is one of the best to play in the NFL, ever.

Deion is the best CB ever.

Both will be in the HOF.

Eventually but, if you hadn't noticed, Andre Reed, Chris Carter and Tim Brown have now failed to get in for several years now and there's only more wr's coming due for consideration. WR is going to have a serious backlog and will be a position that is re-evaluated by voters due to the bloating of career statistics with the change in the offensive game over the last 12 years.

TO will get in, one day, but it will not be anywhere near the first ballot. Consider the above and the fact he left 3 franchises with bridges a blazing.

[SLC93]

For those that are suggesting some of the db's from the old days are in the same league you need to remember something. The game changed. Back then qb's were 50% passers, passing games were simplistic and, most important, a db could beat the living hell of of a receiver. Sanders starred in an era when offenses were being more and more protected, especially the receiver. The advantage once lay with the db but not for the last 20 years or so. Let's see how some of those older guys would have fared if they could basically have no contact with their man.

[Matthew 2000 Eagle]

For those that are suggesting some of the db's from the old days are in the same league you need to remember something. The game changed. Back then qb's were 50% passers, passing games were simplistic and, most important, a db could beat the living hell of of a receiver not named Michael Irvin. Sanders starred in an era when offenses were being more and more protected, especially the receiver. The advantage once lay with the db but not for the last 20 years or so. Let's see how some of those older guys would have fared if they could basically have no contact with their man.

Fify!;)

[slorch]

Let's see how some of those older guys would have fared if they could basically have no contact with their man.

Ironic that this very concept is one of the things detractors use against Sanders.

One of the things TGO and I often disagree on is comparing eras. i like to think of players withing thie eras and the level of dominance within that level of play. He tends to compare everyone with today's athlete, with advanced training techniques, diet, and in all honesty, year round coaching if they so desire.

I think Deion is one of the top DBs I have seen play in my lifetime. From what i have read and heard in testimonials by fellow players and coaches, I put Dick Lane ahead of him due to being a better tackler while also being a productive cover guy. He didn't bring Deion's special teams prowess to the table, though; so it's not an exact comparison.

[E-Vol-ution]

For those that are suggesting some of the db's from the old days are in the same league you need to remember something. The game changed. Back then qb's were 50% passers, passing games were simplistic and, most important, a db could beat the living hell of of a receiver. Sanders starred in an era when offenses were being more and more protected, especially the receiver. The advantage once lay with the db but not for the last 20 years or so. Let's see how some of those older guys would have fared if they could basically have no contact with their man.

I can't imagine playing against a couple of the guys I went against in the old days if I wasn't able to throw off their game and rythym with head slaps and stickum once they crossed the line of scrimmage.:cool:

[SLC93]

Ironic that this very concept is one of the things detractors use against Sanders.

One of the things TGO and I often disagree on is comparing eras. i like to think of players withing thie eras and the level of dominance within that level of play. He tends to compare everyone with today's athlete, with advanced training techniques, diet, and in all honesty, year round coaching if they so desire.

I think Deion is one of the top DBs I have seen play in my lifetime. From what i have read and heard in testimonials by fellow players and coaches, I put Dick Lane ahead of him due to being a better tackler while also being a productive cover guy. He didn't bring Deion's special teams prowess to the table, though; so it's not an exact comparison.

I'm with you on the era thing. I feel it best not to compare because you just can't. The game was fundamentally different. While todays athlete is better who is to say how they would play under those rules and without the benefit of all the technology, modern medicine and training techniques available. The flip side is how much better who the athletes of eras past get when transplanted into today, with those things available to them. Ultimately it's a fruitless endeavor.

[SLC93]

I can't imagine playing against a couple of the guys I went against in the old days if I wasn't able to throw off their game and rythym with head slaps and stickum once they crossed the line of scrimmage.:cool:

Exactly. I'm not arguing that the players of different era couldn't hang athletically. I don't get into that. Let's just change the rules and imagine how their play would have been effected. If all they got was the one good pop at the line today's db gets, how would they have faired? Think about it. As a db you're already at the disadvantage of moving backward and not knowing where you are going. Before you could maul a guy, slow him down, direct him. Now you get once shot and then it's hands off. The game has changed.

[lonny23]

i heard neon challenge anyone to find videos of him turning down a tackle, ever. considering the angst he causes among purists, you'd think if such footage existed, it would have been highlighted. dude didn't have lots of opportunities due to the onesided ness of the field. few have ever deserved first ballot hof acceptance more than deion.
Deion didn't avoid tackles, but he made kicker-like effort on a fair amount of tackles. I saw a Cards game one time with Deion in Dallas where he tried a log roll to take down Larry Centers. The next time he tried it in the same game, Centers hurdled him and kept going!:D

You're right that he didn't have that many coming his way.