Deion Sanders shares 4 tips for young athletes to stay healthy, wealthy, and stress-free

Decades after retiring as a player in the NFL and MLB, Deion Sanders is still making headlines as one of the most successful athletes of his generation.

With a multimillion-dollar career spanning two sports, NFL commentary, and a buzzworthy pivot to college coaching, Coach Prime has mastered the art of building his brand both on and off the field.

Now, the coach and father of five children — two of whom are in the NFL themselves — is passing on his hard-earned wisdom.

When it comes to building a lasting career, up-and-coming athletes have more opportunities than ever — but also more potential pitfalls.

“We have young men that listen to the wrong advice,” Sanders told Business Insider in an interview through his partnership with California Almonds. “They’re basing things on everything other than the main thing.”

Sanders shared four key tips for young athletes looking to protect their physical and financial health for the long haul, from eating better to making smart money moves early in their careers.

Pick the right college in the age of NIL

College sports are a bigger business than ever, with top players cashing in on lucrative NIL deals worth millions.

But Sanders said that athletes shouldn’t pick a college based on money alone.

“I would attend a university based on staff, based on likability, based on the location that I wanted to be at, and the situation that I think could elevate me to the next level, not solely based on finances,” he said.

Build wealth by staying disciplined

College players earning big paychecks for the first time often struggle with financial literacy, spending too much too fast rather than investing, Barron’s reported.

Sanders warned young athletes not to get caught up on ritzy status symbols like private planes and yachts.

“Get your butt on one of these airlines, man. You don’t need to take a private plane everywhere,” he said. “Early on, let’s focus on your needs, not your wants, because your wants will get you in trouble.”

Prioritize long-term health

Sanders, 58, has had his share of health challenges, revealing in July that he was diagnosed with bladder cancer. He said he’s cancer-free after surgery, and his health is now a top priority.

To stay in shape, Sanders said he goes for a walk every day after practice. Walking is one of simplest ways to boost longevity, with as little as 500 extra steps per day linked to lower risk of serious illnesses like heart disease and cancer.

As he’s gotten older, Sanders has also cleaned up his diet, ditching the soul food he used to eat before practice in favor of smoothies, more protein and fiber, and healthy snacks throughout the day.

Avoid distractions

To really make the most of life, Sanders said cutting back on stress is key. That means turning away from unnecessary conflict whenever possible.

“I keep my peace. I don’t have no fools and no foolishness in my life,” he said. “I eliminate all of that stuff, that mess that causes you stress.”

That advice is hard-won: Sanders said that early in his life, he struggled with impulsive decisions, and regretted getting married young.

“I’m talking to my kids now and they’re so much farther down the road because they understand making the right decisions,” he said. “I had to find out the hard way.”

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