Colorado Buffaloes head coach and NFL legend Deion Sanders is subjected to around five death threats on a daily basis, according to a stark revelation from his personal bodyguard. The alarming disclosure was made during the team's inaugural meeting for the 2026 college football season, underscoring the severe security challenges surrounding the high-profile figure.
Security Chief Issues Stern Warning to New Recruits
Michael Rhodes, who serves as the head of security for Coach Prime, addressed the assembled players with a firm message about vigilance. In footage shared by Sanders' eldest son, Deion Jr., Rhodes emphasised the critical need for strict adherence to safety protocols within the team facilities.
'I'm Officer Rhodes. I'm head of security for Coach Prime,' Rhodes stated at the meeting. 'Real quick, I want to say this. Those of y'all that are new, when y'all head up to the facilities in the morning, be mindful of who comes in with you, especially on the elevator.'
Elevated Risks and Preventative Measures
Rhodes specifically warned against allowing unauthorised individuals access by scanning them onto restricted floors. 'Don't let somebody coerce you into scanning them up on the floor, because everybody's trying to get to Coach Prime. Those people that are trying to get to them, not all of them have good intentions.'
He further instructed players to avoid propping open doors, articulating a straightforward security philosophy. 'So just be mindful of that, don't prop open any doors, because my philosophy is, if the doors open, they will come through. Then they're gonna have to meet me.'
Coach Sanders Confirms Threats, Cites Racial Motivations
Following Rhodes' address, Deion Sanders himself stood before the team to elaborate on the persistent dangers he faces. The 58-year-old former Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl winner directly linked the threats to racial prejudice.
'We get death threats all the time,' Sanders told his players. 'Why? I'm a black man making it happen, making things move, making all that happen. So we have stuff that's real.'
When Sanders then queried Rhodes about the precise frequency of these threats, his bodyguard provided the chilling daily estimate. 'About five every day,' Rhodes confirmed.
Context of Recent Criminal Activity
This security briefing occurs against a backdrop of recent criminal incidents targeting Sanders' family. Just weeks prior, three individuals were arrested in connection with a burglary at the home of Sanders' son, Shedeur Sanders, on November 16.
The break-in took place at the Cleveland Browns quarterback's residence in Granger Township, a suburb of Cleveland, while he was participating in his first regular-season NFL game. Authorities reported that approximately $200,000 worth of property was stolen during the incident.
Surveillance footage captured three masked and gloved individuals entering different sections of the property. This event adds Deion Sanders and his family to an expanding list of NFL personalities who have experienced home invasions during games.
A Growing Trend of NFL Player Burglaries
The burglary at Shedeur Sanders' home is part of a disturbing pattern affecting professional football stars. Several high-profile players have dealt with similar break-ins since the start of the previous season.
- Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow
- Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce
- New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan
Additionally, Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons' home was burglarised last month while the team was playing an away game against San Francisco. This series of incidents highlights a significant security vulnerability for athletes during their professional commitments.
The combination of daily death threats directed at Coach Prime and the targeted burglary of his son's property paints a concerning picture of the security pressures faced by the Sanders family. It underscores the necessity for the rigorous protective measures now being implemented by Michael Rhodes and his security team for the Colorado Buffaloes programme.
