Former Nole, Hall of Famer Deion Sanders named head coach at Jackson State

(WTXL) — Legendary Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders has officially been named the 21st head football coach at Jackson State University.

The University announced the hiring on Monday.

I am truly blessed to be the 21st Head football coach of Jackson State University," said Sanders. "This amazing HBCU has always enjoyed a high level of commitment academically and athletically. It's my desire to continue this storied tradition and history of JSU and prayerfully bring more national recognition to the athletes, the university, the Sonic Boom of the South, and HBCUs in general. I am TRULY proud to be a part of the JSU Tiger family. 'I BELIEVE'"

According toa news release, JSU Vice President and Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson gave Sanders a warm welcome and introduced him to the Tiger family.

"I am thrilled to welcome Deion Sanders to Jackson State University, the City of Jackson, and Mississippi," said Robinson. "Coach Sanders is student-athlete centered and cares about young men and their wellbeing beyond the football field. We expect to compete for and win championships at Jackson State, and Coach Sanders will help us achieve those goals."

An eight-time Pro Bowler, and two-time Super Bowl champion, Sanders played 14 NFL seasons for the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, and Baltimore Ravens.

Sanders is the only player to have played in a Super Bowl and a World Series.

Sanders was a two-time All-American player at Florida State University and was the first-round draft choice of the Atlanta Falcons in 1989.

In 2011, Sanders was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

In 2020, for the NFL 100th Season, Sanders was named to the NFL All-Time Team.