Deion Sanders Reflects on Being a Grandfather for the First Time After Daughter’s Birth (Exclusive)

From Prime Time to Coach Prime, Deion Sanders is now known as Grandpa Prime.

While Deion, 57, spent much of the offseason preparing the players, staff and other members of the Colorado Buffaloes for the upcoming college football season, the decision was made after his eldest daughter gave up. After his own career, he was just beginning to adjust to the fact that he was a grandfather for the first time.

On August 9, Deiondra Sanders revealed on Instagram that she gave birth to a son named Que, Deiondra Sanders’ eldest son.

“I love you so much baby 💙 I love you so much 💕,” Deiondra, 32, captioned a carousel of photos documenting her son’s birth. She added: “It’s been a long journey but seeing your face, my sweet little boy, makes every moment worth it. I’m so excited to be your mom and can’t wait to share a lifetime of love with you and adventure.

Dion was the first to comment, writing: “So proud of you.”

Even though football season is quickly approaching, Coach Prime still cherishes the time he gets to spend with his new grandson. “Being a grandfather for the first time is amazing,” Dionne tells PEOPLE exclusively while promoting his new partnership with California Almond Company.

He then revealed that he saw and talked to Que before talking to people. “This is also the first time I’ve ever said that. Just seeing my grandson and saying something and him smiling and stuff, so it’s great because my daughter is still in the hospital right now,” said the father of the child. .

While the proud grandfather is still absorbing the news of the youngest member of the Sanders extended family — previously telling People in April that “I haven’t digested the whole thing yet” — Deion is balancing that with All things coaching.

“Let’s take it one thing at a time. I love coaching these young men,” he said of the Buffalo team, which has sons Sheldour at quarterback and Shiloh at safety. Get ready to kick off the 2024-25 season against North Dakota State on Thursday, August 29.

The Buffaloes had a difficult first season under Coach Prime, finishing the season 4-8 and ranked 12th overall.

This year, however, much is expected of Sheduer Sanders, who enters the season as the top quarterback in what will also be Coach Prime’s final season coaching his two sons. The Colorado Buffaloes have also made a number of changes to the team, including an overhaul of the offensive line, but the main focus has been on changes to the coaching staff.

“Eight of the 11 coaches are from the NFL,” Coach Prime said. “We have Adalius Thomas, who’s been in the league for 10 years, and an assistant who’s helping out as well. So the formula is just letting these guys be themselves and not asking them to change anything.

He added, “They’re Hall of Famers who have played for a lot of years because of who they are. You want them to continue to be that person and give these kids the direction of their dreams and hopes and aspirations — that’s the formula.”

As Dieng deals with changes to his team and coaching staff, he also has to pay attention to what his players are eating and how they are taking care of their bodies.

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“They don’t know what they’re doing. They just take what’s given to them,” he said of the other teams, before noting that California almonds “make me look pretty.”

He added: “You know they’re healthy. If you do your homework and Google it, you know they’re very healthy. I’m recovering really well. I’m still in my prime and they keep me where I need to be.

When it comes to his team as a whole, Dieng is optimistic about the outlook. “We’re looking good,” he said. “We, and the staff and the team and everything — just having healthy snacks, healthy options is huge for our young people.”