Last fall, while I was still freelancing for the Delta Democrat-Times, I penned a piece called, “JSU has raised the profile of HBCU athletics.” Much of the credit for orchestrating the energy and vigor around campus at Jackson State and black college athletics must be attributed to Tigers head coach and NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. His vocal leadership and advocacy for schools with underserved athletic programs were only surpassed by Jackson State’s rise to national prominence during his brief tenure. His performance has thus far superseded all the hype.
Admittedly when JSU decided to offer Sanders the head coaching position, I like many was a little concerned because of his lack of college coaching experience and his show business persona. But after seeing not only the types of players that he is convinced to join the Tigers but also a coaching staff of ex-NFL players, I must admit that this guy has that “IT” factor. Furthermore, he is attracting big named donors like rapper Sean “P-Diddy” Combs and megastars like Dewayne “The Rock” Johnson to support JSU with their money and their presence.
With all the momentum that Coach Prime has created for his new home over the past three seasons, is it out of the realm of possibility to believe that he could have a similar impact from the Mississippi governor’s mansion? Yes, could Deion Sanders be the type of generational leader that Mississippi needs to move Mississippi towards a modern, inclusive, New South type of state? There is no reason to believe that Sanders’ skills as a salesman, his interpersonal skills, and his relatability cannot be transferred into the political realm. In a short amount of time, he is changing the conversation in his sport with regard to recruiting, resourcing and realignment so that HBCUs will be competitive financially for years to come. Mississippi needs that type of vision and bravado to move forward. Doubters will be quick to point out his lack of experience in politics. Well… Ronald Reagan was an actor. Harry S. Truman worked in a clothing store. And Donald Trump came from outer space!
I looked without much success for a recent poll of the most popular contemporary people in Mississippi. I would go out on a limb and say that Coach Sanders is right up there along with State Auditor Shad White. A couple more facts make it intriguing to consider a Sanders gubernatorial run. First, for politics, he has just enough baggage and dirt under his fingernails to pass the smell test. Second, he is a devout Christian, which is very important in anything you do in the Magnolia State. Third, he is a multimillionaire, not beholden to any special interests. Finally, Google Maps shows that there are only 1.3 miles (a four-minute drive) between the Jackson State campus and the governor’s mansion – the logistics are easy. Now all that’s left is for Coach Prime to desire the job and for the state of Mississippi to think outside the box.
