Falcons to induct Deion Sanders into Ring of Honor
Deion Sanders strutting his stuff during his time with the Falcons. He set to be inducted into the franchise's Ring of Honor.
FLOWERY BRANCH – Deion Sanders, the most entertaining and flamboyant player in team history, will be inducted into the Atlanta Falcons’ Ring of Honor.
Deion Sanders visited the team facilities with his youth football team this summer. (D. Orlando Ledbetter/dledbetter@ajc.com)
Sanders, nicknamed “Prime Time” for his style of play, was with the Falcons from 1989 to 1993 after being drafted No. 5 overall out of Florida State.
The Atlanta Falcons today announced that cornerback Deion Sanders is the latest inductee into the team’s prestigious Ring of Honor. Sanders was named the eighth member of this exclusive club by a vote of a local media selection committee.
Sanders said he was trying to convey a positive message with all of bling, but the message got lost.
The induction will take place at halftime of the nationally-televised Thursday night game between the Falcons and Ravens at the Georgia Dome on November 11.
“When I was dreaming as a kid, I couldn’t often times share those dreams because I thought they were so out of the box. Never would people think that a kid from Ft. Myers, Florida, who was small in stature, but big on confidence, would ever have his name recognized in a stadium in the only place he played in which he called home,” Sanders said. “I want to thank Falcons Owner Arthur Blank and the organization (ironically 21 years later from the year I was drafted) for making my dreams come true.”
Sanders is a first-year eligible candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2011. He is on the preliminary list of 113 modern-era candidates.
During his five seasons with the Falcons he established a new standard for the cover cornerback and was also an electrifying kickoff and punt returner.
Deion Sanders with the 49ers.
He had 24 interceptions over his Atlanta career even though teams elected to stay away from his side of the field. He averaged more than 20 yards each season on kickoff returns and returned three kickoffs and two punts for touchdown.
In 1994, Sanders signed as a free agent with San Francisco. He would go on to also play for Dallas, Washington and Baltimore during the outset of the free agency era. He played 14 seasons in the NFL and won Super Bowl rings with San Francisco and Dallas.
Sanders was selected to eight Pro Bowls, including in 1992 and 1993 as a member of the Falcons.
Tommy Nobis, Steve Bartkowski, William Andrews and Jessie Tuggle were in the first class of Ring of Honor inductees in 2004. Mike Kenn, Claude Humphrey and Jeff Van Note are also members of team’s Ring of Honor. Kenn and Humphrey were the last players to be inducted by the team in 2008.
The Falcons Ring of Honor was established to honor retired players who made significant contributions to the franchise during their
Sanders with the Dallas Cowboys.
playing careers.
“Deion Sanders is widely regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in the 91-year history of the National Football League,” Falcons owner Arthur Blank said. “He epitomized excellence on the playing field and was a tremendously gifted athlete who possessed great speed. Deion excelled as a defender, kick returner, punt returner and on offense on his way to establishing 12 club records.”
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332 comments Add your comment
John
October 22nd, 2010
2:12 pm
Keith Brooking- are you feigning being obtuse or can you truly not discern the difference between Deion’s and Keith Brooking’s – er – your situation with the Falcons?
You got a Georgia Tech degree, right? You gotta have something on the ball to earn one of those.
Come on dude, wise up – or go ahead and drop the race card. You’ve talked around it for two posts now.
ATL Fan
October 22nd, 2010
2:17 pm
cejay, There is a definite pattern.
Gerard Smith
October 22nd, 2010
2:27 pm
Dgator, you are so far wrong it sounds like hate. You may not like it but he did build the dome. The greatest Falcon ever and will go into the Hall of Fame as a Falcon. Don’t hate !!!!!!!! And Jesse Stone the NFL is a BUSSINESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
papadawg
October 22nd, 2010
2:31 pm
HONORED FOR WHAT! ONE WHO RUNS AWAY FROM HITTING SOMEBODY OR BEING HIT
Kyle
October 22nd, 2010
2:31 pm
They need to include Scott Case in the Ring of Honor.
Whopper Dawg
October 22nd, 2010
2:31 pm
He played 5 of his 14 seasons with Atlanta. That is 1/3 of his career. He is not a Falcon, I don’t know what he is, but he is not a Falcon. Compare his contribution to the Falcons with the other guys in the Ring and he pales in comparison.
USMC DAWG
October 22nd, 2010
2:31 pm
WOW! Hopefully they will highlight him arm-tackling and chicken fighting skills. We saw plenty of that in the dome from Primetime.
Calvin G. Sims, Sr.
October 22nd, 2010
2:39 pm
I remember it like it was yesterday, the day DS came to town. I remember the video of him at the airport, talking on a gigantic cell phone, surrounded by media, weighed down by gold chains. I remember the many moments that he electrified the stadium with his truly God-given gifts.
But the thing that I recall most is watching him mature. Realizing that “Primetime” is mostly an act. Realizing that Deon Sanders is a fine young MAN. Worthy of being a role model – that status to which people in the limelight unfortunately, often, have no choice.
After all of the accolades for his athletic achievements have been exhausted, we must also recognize the MAN. Worthy of our adoration as so few, who bask in glow of fame, truly are.
Deon, I am proud to refer to you with the greatest title of all. Deon Sanders, a MAN.
Go Falcons!!!
Frank Wilson
October 22nd, 2010
2:39 pm
I was tickled to death to see Deion being inducted into the Ring of Honor. He deserves it.
This guy is the most talented player we’ve ever had at any position.
Some of the previous negative comments fail to mention that he was basically a kid and acted as most of us did when college age.
They also fail to take into account the fact that he has given his life to Christ and when that genuinely happens, the person changes…….. and he has.
On the basis of talent……….. he is incomparable and for those who wonder……. I’m white…… if it matters.
Confused about this one
October 22nd, 2010
2:40 pm
How in the world do you induct a player into the Ring when he was only played 4 years for the Falcons….then decided to to the free agent thing and go else where. I don’t care how good he was in the brief time he was with them, he doesn’t belong and shouldn’t be inducted since he didn’t want to play for them any longer than he did. Just a waste if you ask me and just my opinion.
Da Analyst
October 22nd, 2010
2:41 pm
Prime Time is the best Corner Back to put on a Falcon Jersey. Your best should be in the Team’s Hall of Fame. Forget the other BS you all are talking about. Congratulations Prime.
Keith Brooking
October 22nd, 2010
2:42 pm
John, John, John….Race card??? What in the Junior Miller are you talking about? I’ve played with black, white and even a couple hispanic jerks. No race card here buddy but nice try. You see in Deion’s short time here he still made more memorable plays than I did in less than half the time. Plus he shut down half the field!!
You may insult my intelligence but remember I took more than a few knocks in the head for your beloved Turdy Birds so I sould get a pass. How dare you, you ungrateful bas-tard.
cj
October 22nd, 2010
2:42 pm
Congrats to you and your family Deion Sanders, I knew you were a legend in 1993 when I met you at the Pro Bowl at Aloha stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii in ‘93. I was on the military colorguard team.
You deserve every good and perfect gift from God.
Congrats!!!
Pepe
October 22nd, 2010
2:43 pm
Dude was amazing…yhea he wasn’t known for tackling, but he shut down half the field and was a threat to go all the way when ever he touched the ball.
I was at Fulton County (6th or 7th grade) when I first learned of Prime Time. I just remember my dad nudging me when Deion came out to field his 1st punt, telling me this is the new stud rookie. Seconds later he’s dodging guys left and right and taking it some 70 yards for TD. I’ve been a Deion fan ever since…like I said, the dude was amazing!
J-Smoove
October 22nd, 2010
2:46 pm
I love Prime Time, but he did not play in the ATL long enough to be in the Falcons Ring of Honor… He was a great player and wished he played here longer, but he will be remembered more as a 49er and Cowboy. It will be great to see on Nov. 11th though and will be a special night for him and the Falcons organization. GO FALCONS!!!!!
Tim
October 22nd, 2010
2:46 pm
Not deserving. Period.
mike
October 22nd, 2010
2:46 pm
One thing about it, the haters will be hating on this blog and Deion will be in the Ring of Honor. Deion does not know you morons exist. So try being glad for somebody sometime in your miserable little lifes. You might try not worrying about Deion and you better hope the current falconettes might keep winning some football games. If they continue to play like they did last week then you boobies have a reason to cry.
High Stepper
October 22nd, 2010
2:50 pm
Pepe – I remember that play. I believe it was against the Rams. I couldn’t believe this rookie’s first touch went to the house and he made it look so easy with the way he was gliding downfield. Awesome moment in Falcon history.
John
October 22nd, 2010
2:53 pm
Analyst, you are correct about Deion the CB. But the guy burned every bridge between himself and Falcon fans (at least this Falcon fan) so fast, the flames were burning his butt on his way out of town to SF. It’s what, over a decade since he bolted town, and a lot of us still haven’t forgiven him his graceless behavior towards us.
To me, the Honor of the Ring ought to be reserved for players who respected franchise and the fans. That sure ain’t Deion. It’s a warm place in Falcon fans hearts for a former player who represented their favorite team with loyalty and distinction.
Heck, I’d rather see MV7 in the ring 100 times before Deion once. At least Mike, for all his faults, was a loyal Falcon. And his on-field performance certainly warrant inclusion.
Keith Brooking
October 22nd, 2010
2:54 pm
OK – now I need someone to remind everyone of some of the memorable Keith Brooking plays/moments (not the 3rd and 16 play against the Cards)…
Joe
October 22nd, 2010
2:55 pm
he should get in just because he dumped ice water on McCarver!
cejay
October 22nd, 2010
2:56 pm
The 3rd and 16 play against the Cards will be the only one I remember….
slaughdog
October 22nd, 2010
2:58 pm
U HATERS–give it a break. Not only the greatest cornerback ever for the FALCONS, PRIME TIME was also one of the best CB to play in the NFL. Get real, they guy singled handly took away one half of the field, QB’s would NOT just throw his way, (they) would NOT even look his way. As the old BUDWEISER ad w/the frogs–”let it go, louie,let it go”
War CAM Eagle
Sam Smarty
October 22nd, 2010
3:00 pm
I think Brooking gets in
Keith Brooking
October 22nd, 2010
3:00 pm
C’mon Cejay…don’t you remember that year I led the league TABG (Tackles After Being Gashed)??
John
October 22nd, 2010
3:01 pm
Joe, perhaps if Deion had possessed the cojones to douse McCarver face-to-face. But Prime Time snuck up from behind while McCarver was interviewing somebody else. He never voiced his objections to McCarver’s criticism of him. Just threw water on him and ran away. A helluva man indeed.
Wow, I guess I disliked Deion Sanders circa 1991 – 2005 more than I thought.
Like the one poster said, he got religion awhile back. Good news I guess. Is he Billy Graham or Eddie Long?
cejay
October 22nd, 2010
3:03 pm
Does anybody here honestly think Deion wanted to stay here when his contract was up????? =NO, he answered that himself. Its not about how good he was, he was not a franchise player, period. The only thing he cared about was money and a SB ring…..not Atlanta.
Keith Brooking
October 22nd, 2010
3:03 pm
Billy Graham or Eddie Lawng?? Good question….
I’m guessing somewhere in the middle.
PreyDawg
October 22nd, 2010
3:03 pm
PePe,
I was at that game that day too and it was electric. The guy was very exciting as a player.
Mike,
You are way out of line. Nobody has hated on Deion. Jesse and others are stating facts. These are clearly long time hard core Falcons as am I. And I agree with them. Deion, did not conduct himself as if he was honored to be a Falcon. He did everything they are saying he did. I was a season ticket holder at the time and I remember it well. It was totally uncalled for the way he acted as a 49er. He kicked us when we were down when all we did was support him when he was here.
Jesse,
I like you posts, but I cannot agree with you brother on Brooking. Brooking was a pretender and a pile jumper while he was here and I saw every game he played. He was an abject disgrace last year during the Cowboys game. He should have been kissing our arse considering the millions he made here and the fact that he was a libility every season he was here except two or three. His tackle numbers were way padded.
TXDawg (The Real TXDawg)
October 22nd, 2010
3:05 pm
Frank Wilson for President!!
Ditto Frank.
Congrats Deion, you definitely brought excitement to old Atlanta Fulton County Stadium for the home team!! After reading all these negative posts, now I realize why Jesus was CRUCIFIED!!
Haters!!
NewbombTurk
October 22nd, 2010
3:05 pm
Great. Why don’t they honor Jerry Glanville, Andre Rison, Tim McKyer, and all of the other selfish blabbermouths who took the Falcons nowhere?
boiler up
October 22nd, 2010
3:07 pm
I am so very glad for Deion. He is the whole entire reason I became a true Falcons fan to begin with. I thank him for bringing excitment and notice to the Falcons organization. He has gone on to be successful at many things. I’ve always admired him for his “Not being afraid to be real” nature. God Bless, and Congrats Primetime!!
Tom Pridemore was tuff
October 22nd, 2010
3:07 pm
I think I’m with J-Smoove….4yrs aint long enough
TXDawg (The Real TXDawg)
October 22nd, 2010
3:12 pm
Pridemore….you and J-Smoove can’t count. It was 5 years not 4.
Keith Brooking
October 22nd, 2010
3:12 pm
Both Deion and I were criminals. He stole passes out of the air and I stole millions from the franchise that drafted me, even long after I was washed up (I wasn’t much of a playmaker anyway. I was just here for a long time.)
TN Jeff
October 22nd, 2010
3:14 pm
Dgator
“Only 4 seasons as a Falcon, how can you possibly induct him into the Ring of Honor? He left because he wanted more money, then disrespected the Falcons by proclaiming the Dome “my house” after he was gone. I loved watching him play but no way does he belong in the Ring of Honor, he only used the Falcons as a stepping stone. If he goes into the Hall of Fame, ask him which team he will go in as and I promise you it wont be as a Falcon.”
I agree – the other Ring of Honor recipients ought to be sickened by this idiotic decision.
Pepe
October 22nd, 2010
3:16 pm
Check the link…dude was amazing! It brought back chills seeing that 1st punt return for a TD again. I forgot about him dropping the ball at first, but now I can remember my dad being like no, no , no, yes, yes, YES, YES, YES!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xIq_kastzI&feature=related
I had plenty of friends that ragged me in high school for being a Deion fan. All they saw was the loud mouth that went to another team. All I saw was an amazing althlete who backed it all up. He wasn’t perfect, but he was amazing!
TN Jeff
October 22nd, 2010
3:17 pm
mike
Great logic – I’m happy too for OJ and any accolades he might have received and receive in the future despite the little double homocide incident.
joann
October 22nd, 2010
3:18 pm
I love the Falcons Win,lose or draw. We were definetely a team to watch when Prime Time was a Falcon. The game was always exciting, I miss those days.
Notorious B.I.G ( Best in the Game)
October 22nd, 2010
3:21 pm
Prime is about to be inducted in the Hall of Fame next year. One would think a Falcon Fan would love to see him go in as a Falcon, where it all started. Putting him in the Ring of Honor would go a long way to seeing that happen.
TXDawg (The Real TXDawg)
October 22nd, 2010
3:22 pm
This isn’t the first time D. Led…..one more time and I’m writing a nice letter to the EIC, Cox heirs, and/or whomever else has a say over operations at the AJC.
too legit
October 22nd, 2010
3:24 pm
the most exciting player ever to wear the red and black
well done Falcons!
Keith Brooking
October 22nd, 2010
3:24 pm
But what about me?
Atlbirdawg
October 22nd, 2010
3:26 pm
This is a travesty, the voters should be ashamed. Deion epitomized the exact opposite values that the current organization supposedly thinks are importants. Deion will again make a mockery of this franchise when he’s inducted in the HOF as a Cowboy. I will stick around for halftime of the Ravens game so I can boo this classless man who is now going to disgrace the Ring of Honor with his induction.
FHZ
October 22nd, 2010
3:26 pm
It’s all “PR”. It’s “Practical Marketing”.
Deion is nationally known. The only Falcon other than…maybe..Jamal Anderson #32? Falcons players are not known nationally, and internationally. The Throw-back jersey is next for sale.
The ceremony will be held on Thursday Night Football on The NFL Network = PR, Jersey sales, classic posters, etc..and more people paying attention to The Falcons across the nation.
Sanders was a Raven as well (Falcons opponent Thursday Night Football).. So, the award will keep people interested in the game. Most people around the nation and Maryland would just assume that this will be a boring game, and that The Ravens would totally shut-down The Falcons. So, why watch the game? Ratings!
Since The NFL owners share the wealth amongst themselves in NFL Collective Bargaining, it generates the Falcons sales, and Jerry Jones (Cowboys owner) will probably do the same. So will the 49ers (The Yorks). None of Primetime’s former bosses will object because this will fatten the lot.
If it wasn’t for show-offs, the NFL would be bland, and up-staged by a start-up league. It rewards players for seeking the limelight–even the critics of these characters know this to be true.
Characters sell the game like The NBA, Boxing, WWF and UCF. The NFL knows what they are doing. Villains and Heroes.. Telling tales of valor..
Plus, this takes attention away from The Robinson-Jackson collision, and fines.
If it doesn’t make dollars, it just doesn’t make sense–especially to the people with the most money.
MB
October 22nd, 2010
3:27 pm
I’ve been following the Falcons since 74-75. The Falcons have had some really good players over the years, but not many at the same time. I remember the 77 defense that gave up only a 129 points, the fewest ever in a 14 game season. Maybe that whole D’ could be remembered one day. They were good!
Gamer
October 22nd, 2010
3:27 pm
Definitely, one of the best at his positions punt returner, kick returner and defensive back.
I thought the Falcons should’ve tried him at receiver for deep pass plays.
Prime Time performs effective outreach initiatives to kids that teaches life skills in a professional setting and in everyday setting. Deion gives back to the community making the world a better place to live.
To all you haters, grow up because you’re growing older. So you might as well grow in maturation. Peace.
Congratulations, Deion ‘Prime Time’ Sanders.
Good choice Mr. Blank and Falcons organization.
Keith Brooking
October 22nd, 2010
3:30 pm
Well said Gamer.
But what about me??
Beverly Davis
October 22nd, 2010
3:30 pm
Deion, the best cornerback the NFL has EVER had. I’m bias of course because to me he was the best in everything that had to do with sports. He is Primetime talent, the BEST dresser and the guy with the MOST sense of humor. LOVE YOU DEION!!!
Da Analyst
October 22nd, 2010
3:33 pm
Jim Brown and Barry Sanders did not play in the NFL for a long time by some experts standards but they are in the NFL Hall of Fame. William Andrews did not play for the Falcons over 5 year but he is in the Falcons Hall of Fame. Lets base this on the facts and the facts are Prime is the best CB the Falcons have ever had..case closed. Congratulation Prime ….I am Da Analyst!!!!!