Image via Complex Original
It''s a good time to be Deion Sanders. The former NFL cornerback was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Sunday and celebrates his 44th birthday today. But really, since he joined the NFL and MLB (best things come in twos) in 1989, when hasn't it been a good time to be Neon Deion? Dude had on-the-field accolades like winning back-to-back Super Bowl rings and playing in the 1992 World Series with the Braves, to off-the-field highlights such as his legendary “Must Be the Money” video and his classic sonning of Tim McCarver. So, in honor Prime Time, here are Deion Sanders' 10 Most Badass Moments... *High-steps to the end zone*
10. The "Must Be The Money" Music Video
DATE: 1994
COMPLEX SAYS: Sports x music go together but athletes rapping? Not so much. Fresh off joining the San Francisco 49ers, Deion dropped his debut album Prime Time with "Must Be the Money" as the lead single. While everyone agrees that the flow and rapping was subpar even by athlete standards, no one could deny Prime Time's swag. Dude was making it rain on hoes (peep the 2:10 mark) way before any of your favorite rappers ever even thought of it. #stunt101
9. Hall of Fame Induction
DATE: 8/6/2011
COMPLEX SAYS: Who else do you know that would mention some hip-hop heavyweights and throw their bandana on their bust (II), like Prime Time? After eight Pro Bowl selections, two Super Bowl rings, and a rep as the best cornerback/return specialist combo of all time dude had every right to carry out his speech the way he wanted to. So, FOH Jason Whitlock.
8. Deion Goes Godfather On Cam Newton
DATE: 5/1/2011
COMPLEX SAYS: As an announcer and analyst for the NFL Network, Deion still gives us many great moments that get us laughing. This interview Sanders held with Cam Newton was chuck full of weird-ass questions and statements that seem like they'd come straight from Don Corleone. How many times do you really think someone will ask Cam: "Do you smell the cologne I'm wearing?" Prime stays schoolin' these young'ns.
7. Prime Time and...MC Hammer?!
DATE: 11/2/1994
COMPLEX SAYS: OK, so these two aren't exactly Jay and Yeezy, but in '94 Neon Deion was one of the most recognizable athletes in America and MC Hammer had not yet blown through all of his $33 million in career earnings. Throw in the fact that "Straight to My Feet" was off the Street Fighter soundtrack and a Jean-Claude Van Dam cameo, now you have a '90s gem. Thank BasedGod for YouTube!
6. The Return Game Specialist
DATE: 1989 - 2000
COMPLEX SAYS: Before there was Devin Hester, Prime Time would strike fear in the hearts of kickers everywhere. With over 5,500 return yards in his career, Sander's special team game was almost as crazy as his ability to shut down wideouts. In other words, don't let this dude anywhere near your balls. Ayo!
5. Kick Game Vicious
DATE: 1994
COMPLEX SAYS: Football has never been the go-to place for spotting some hot kicks, but when Deion was on the field, you know dude had to stay fresh. The Nike Air Diamond Turf still gets respect from sneaker heads to this day. Just ask Wale.
4. Legend in Two Games
DATE: 10/11/1992
COMPLEX SAYS: Play in an MLB playoff game and an NFL game on the same day?! Beast. Deion not only played for the Braves in their NLCS game 5 against the Pirates that day but also suited up for the Falcons who were playing the Dolphins. Both the Braves and Falcons lost, but that doesn't really matter considering the fact that Deion remains the only athlete to hit a home run and score a touchdown in the same week. #KING
3. Epic Return to the Georgia Dome
DATE: 10/16/1994
COMPLEX SAYS: In his first game at the Georgia Dome since joining the 49ers, Deion completely shitted on his former team on their own turf. First he destroyed Andre Rison, then Deion turned that anger into an impressive 93-yard interception return off of Jeff George. Side bar: Can you believe that neither Rison or Sanders were suspended for this slugfest? Damn, we miss the days before the NFL became the No Fun League.
2. Deon Tells Tim McCarver to Chill
DATE: October 1992
COMPLEX SAYS: After throwing some slight jabs at Deion for playing baseball and football on the same day, announcer Tim McCarver got what was coming to him while Prime Time celebrated. They say that revenge is a dish best served cold, now would someone please pull this shit on Joe Buck?
1. The High-Stepping End Zone Dance
DATE: 1989 - 2000
COMPLEX SAYS: Whether acing that pop quiz you thought you had failed or scoring in your Pee Wee league games, high-stepping seemed to be an appropriate celebration for any situation. Every fan loved it and every opponent hated it. Definitely one of the most badass sports celebrations of all time. Salute and happy birthday, Deion!