Deion Sanders credits his stepfather, Willie Knight, for teaching him some of the most valuable lessons in life. Beyond life lessons, Deion acknowledges his dad’s support for his career.
Such a strong father-son bond, right?
Behind their strong bond is an admirable connection. Before delving into the tribute, let’s find out about their time together.
Willie J. Knight Was a Role-Model to Deion Sanders
Willie Knight played a very crucial role in Deion Sanders’ life when Coach Prime was a kid. He was the kind of dad any child would envy, listening and supporting his son through thick and thin.
But that’s what dads should do, right? Well, their relationship was not born as simply as you may have imagined. In fact, Willie Knight was not actually Deion Sanders’ biological dad.
He was Prime’s stepdad. The supportive dad came into Deion Sanders’ life when Deion was only 8 in 1975. The young Deion Sanders was born to his mom, Connie, and father, Mims Sanders.
But when Deion was two, his mom and dad parted ways. So, Connie raised Prime until she remarried Willie Knight, who brought back the fatherly love Deion Sanders was really craving for as a young boy.
Interestingly, when Connie Knight got into her second marriage with Willie Knight, Deion Sanders had just begun playing baseball and football. Deion Sanders later realized that football was his stronghold. Deion credits his stepfather for supporting his career since he was a young man. The supportive dad also taught Deion Sanders how to fish.
Deion Sanders’ Heartfelt Tribute to Willie Knight
If someone stood by you all through, you’d have nothing but respect and honor for them. And that’s exactly how Deion Sanders feels about his stepfather. A man who shaped his personal life with valuable lessons that made his career a success.
Since his early age, Coach Prime’s love and respect for Willie Knight go beyond words. His father’s day tribute made this quite evident:
“Had the best stepfather in the world, Willie J. I know they call you stepfather because you step in and affiliate in the gap. But thank you all. Sometimes you never get a respect you deserve or desire, but I thank you all.”
Although Willie Knight didn’t biologically father Deion Sanders, the pro football player recognizes what this man did for him. In his message, he lightly explains Willie Knight’s entry into his life as a crucial step that filled a gap.
Although the mom was always by Deion’s side, spending years without a dad wasn’t fun at all. You can now see why he needed that gap filled. Fortunately for Deion, Willie Knight delivered more than just filling a gap.
He taught the boy so many valuable lessons. From fishing to work ethic, his lessons truly left a mark on Deion. Coach Prime penned down these words in a heartfelt tribute to his stepdad after moving to Colorado:
“I dedicated this Lake to my Stepfather Willie J. Knight he’s gon on to be with the Lord. He taught me how to fish and kept his Peace regardless of circumstance. He was also a consistent hard working man. My affection for fishing came from him.”
Most fans were quite moved by the tribute. Tons of emotional reactions began flowing immediately after Deion Sanders put up the post. “A beautiful gesture of love and appreciation,” replied one fan. Another person added, “Such a great honor for a man that deserves recognition! Peace be with him!”
Valuable Lessons Willie Knight Taught Coach Prime
Working as a foreman at a lumber yard, Willie Knight had an admirable work ethic. He instilled the same in Deion Sanders, shaping him into a successful football player.
“My stepfather always said that no matter what, [even though] I might not be here for long, take care of your mom. Make sure you take care of your mom,” shared Deion via. Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast. [25:07]
Deion also shared that he learned a lesson not to touch drugs or alcohol because he saw both of his dads do it, and he understood the effects of it. Recalling their moments, Deion Sanders said:
“Never drank, never smoked because I saw them doing it. So I needed that kind of struggle to comprise who I am.”
Knight’s words and lifestyle stayed with the former two-sport star and gave him a sense of responsibility that guided Coach Prime through his career and beyond.
Also Read: Meet Deion Sanders’ Mom Connie Knight, Who Had To Work Double Shifts To Raise the Football Legend
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