August 9

One of the most gifted and versatile athletes in Georgia sports history was born on this day in Fort Myers, Fla.

Former Atlanta Brave and Atlanta Falcon Deion Sanders earned the nicknames “Neon Deion” and “Primetime.” His athletic talent was matched only by his flair for self-promotion and showmanship. Sanders was drafted out of Florida State by the New York Yankees in baseball and in football by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 1989 draft. The speedy “Primetime” brought a flashy style of play to the team and immediately became an NFL star.

Sanders played five seasons for the Falcons as one of the most–feared defensive backs and kick returners in the game before moving on to play for three other teams, winning two Super Bowls. He retired after 13 seasons. He also played nine seasons of Major League Baseball, including four with the Atlanta Braves.

Deion Sanders’ legacy was secured when he was elected to the NFL Hall of Fame in 2011, a remarkable journey that began on August 9, 1967, Today in Georgia History.