The over-the-top athlete lived up to his two nicknames, “Prime Time” and “Neon Deion,” while playing cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons and outfielder for the Atlanta Braves. Simultaneously. Redefining multitasking during 1991’s Braves pennant race, Sanders flew by helicopter from Falcons practice in Suwanee to Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium. “Not only did he do both, he was great at both,” says In the Time of Bobby Cox author Lang Whitaker. “Sure, Deion talked a lot. But as they say, it’s not bragging if you can back it up.” Off the field, the 2011 NFL Hall of Famer made it socially acceptable for men to wear chunky gold jewelry and diamond earrings.
Making History On October 11, 1992, Sanders played in the Falcons’ matchup against the Miami Dolphins and also suited up that evening for Game Five of the NLCS (Braves versus Pittsburgh Pirates), though he didn’t make it onto the diamond that night.
