Bringing up an NFL legend is a rare blessing many parents would envy. Connie Knight, the mom of the two Super Bowl title winners, Deion Sanders, is truly a fortunate woman. But she deserves it all.
Connie brought up Deion with love and full support. No wonder the Super Bowl winner always looked after his mom from a very young age. Seeing how much she struggled to give him a good life, Deion Sanders pledged to become a football player when he was just a kid. He saw it as a way to bring fortune and ensure his mom never had to work a day in her life.
“I’m gonna be rich one day. Mama, I’m gonna make a lot of money and you would never have to work another day of your life,” said Deion Sanders, recalling his childhood dreams.
Sanders kept that promise after becoming not just a football champion but the face of the NFL. He adds, “From that day forth in ’89, my mother hasn’t had to work another day in her life.”
It is reported that Connie was around 17 years old when she had Deion. So, taking that into account, it can be estimated that she was born in 1950. And since she celebrates her birthday on March 8th, one can estimate that as of May 2025, she is approximately 75 years old.
How Connie Knight Raised Deion Sanders
Connie and Mims Sanders welcomed their bouncing baby boy, Deion Sanders, on August 9, 1967, in Fort Myers, Florida. Two years later, Connie and Mims Sanders separated. Sanders’ mom took the duty to raise him by herself.
When Sanders turned 8, his mother married Willie Knight. Willie Knight stepped into Sanders’ life at a perfect time. Back then, Sanders had started developing an interest in sports and was playing football and baseball. Sanders holds high regard for his stepfather and considers him a role model.
Sanders’ greatness in sports would then start getting noticed when he joined North Fort Myers High School. Right then, Sanders turned out to be an all-state performer in three sports:
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Football
In 1985, Sanders was named to the Florida High School Association All-Century Team, which selected the top 33 players in the 100-year history of high school football in the state. Deion Sanders credits his stepdad, Willie Knight, for being influential in his career.
Sanders’ Mom Struggles After Her First Divorce
Sander’s mom worked multiple jobs to stay afloat and take care of her son after her first divorce. She worked early morning shifts at Lee Memorial Hospital for 22 years. Her role consisted of serving at the cafeteria, the linen room, housekeeping, and central supply.
To multiply earnings and manage her motherhood, Connie took other jobs at night. She worked as a private-care attendant and at other times took up roles at a rehabilitation centre.
As you can imagine, it was tough balancing work with the responsibilities of raising a toddler. Even worse, Connie couldn’t afford a babysitter.
Luckily, she was quite resourceful. She would make breakfast for her son, lay out his clothes, and pin the front door key to the baby’s pocket. She’d later call a neighbor to check if her son was okay.
Connie Knight Has 2 Kids
Besides Deion Sanders, Connie Knight had one more child, Tracie Knight. Tracie Knight was born on July 24, 1970. Tracie and Sanders grew up under the guidance of their stepfather, Willie Knight.
Connie and Knight raised Tracie and Sanders in an environment of love. No wonder these two frequently tease each other on social media with playful banter.
Sanders has even gotten used to referring to his sister as “Barks,” especially in Instagram posts featuring Tracie.
“Happy mother’s day to my sister Tracie Knight AKA “Barks”. You have been a blessing to all our lives with your love, consistency, compassion, honesty, integrity, and loyalty…” wrote Deion Sanders to his sister.
Connie Knight’s 7 Grandkids
Connie Knight has 7 grandkids. Two from her daughter, Tracie, and five from her son, Deion Sanders.
Tracie Knight is a proud mother of T.J. Hendrix and Tia. Like Tracie, T.J. Hendrix enjoys family life in Texas but is also into sports. On the flip side, Tia is active on social media and fancies the company of her cousins.
Deion Sanders gave his mom five grandkids. His eldest two are from his first marriage to Carolyn Chambers, and the younger three from his second marriage to Pilar Sanders. The five grandkids from Deion are:
- Deiondra Sanders
- Deion Sanders Jr.
- Shilo Sanders
- Shedeur Sanders
- Shelomi Sanders
Connie Knight deserves all the luxuries in life as she gave the NFL world a legend like Deion Sanders by making all the sacrifices in life, working double shifts, but at the same time raising him right, even in a rough neighbourhood.