This week is a delight for anyone who enjoys college football and gaming. In a matter of a few days, on July 9, fans can get their hands on EA Sports College Football 27. This edition features some popular faces, yet it is missing an iconic one: Deion Sanders. 

“For Colorado fans hoping to step into the virtual shoes of Colorado coach Deion Sanders after the coach was absent from the game in the previous two editions, there is more disappointment waiting when you open a CU dynasty save,” the Colorado Buffaloes Wire reported on July 4. 

According to the report, Sanders has refused to have his likeness included in this year’s edition of the game. Coach Prime is one of the seven coaches to do so. And they are: Mario Cristobal (Miami), Bill Belichick (North Carolina), Kirk Ferentz (Iowa), Bronco Mendenhall (Utah State), Blake Anderson (Southern Mississippi) and Neal Brown (North Texas). 

Last year, the number stood at 12 coaches. While the numbers have fluctuated, Sanders, Belichick, Cristobal, Ferentz and Mendenhall had opted out last year too. Other coaches have their reasons behind this choice, and Sanders most certainly does. 

The Pro Hall of Famer is known to be careful about licensing deals, “preferring to control his brand tightly,” per the report. Sanders is a central figure in conversations about college football. He is vocal about his disagreement with the growing influence of NIL and the rapidly changing norms. 

So is his exclusion a surprise to anyone? No. But disappointing? Yes. 

The game would’ve been even more enjoyable with Coach Prime’s swagger and bytes. The creators know that, and that is why he served as an inspiration for a character. 

Coach Prime is the blueprint for an elite defensive back

Deion Sanders’ influence on football remains unquestioned. So when the time came to design a strong defensive back, his legacy spilled into the EA Sports College Football 27. 

“Deion Sanders NOT in CFB '27 but his DNA is…” wrote Everything EA College on X. 

The July 3 X post highlighted that Sanders’ likeness is not in the video game, but he is a template players can choose from. ‘Deion Sanders’ is a bump-and-run cornerback who is 6’1 and weighs 195 lbs.

He is described as a “lightning-fast” corner who has “amazing” movement skills, whose ability to mirror routes for man coverage is “elite.” And just like Sanders, he has natural return instincts that turn interceptions into potential scores.

Other options are Rod Woodson (boundary), Antonio Cromartie (field), Aqib Talib (field), and Richard Sherman (one).

What do you think of this situation?

Read more at the Michigan Football Community!

Written by

Akanksha Biradar