Social media reacts to Deion Sanders being named Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year

Sports Illustrated is facing some blowback after naming Deion Sanders its Sportsperson of the Year

For the seventh time in his life, Deion Sanders is on the cover of Sports Illustrated. This time, it’s in honor of being named SI’s 2023 Sportsperson of the Year.

The recognition comes to Coach Prime after he led Colorado football to a 4-8 record in his first season leading the Buffs. Other coaches to earn Sportsperson of the Year include Pat Summit, Mike Krzyzewski, Don Shula, Dean Smith and John Wooden.

SI’s annual Sportsperson of the Year issue is expected to hit newsstands on Dec. 14. The cover also features Colorado athletic director Rick George, 99-year-old superfan Peggy Coppom, four of Sanders’ children, chancellor Phil DiStefano and others who are close to Coach Prime.

Here’s how social media reacted to Sanders earning Sports Illustrated’s 2023 Sportsperson of the Year: