Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders joked that he is "all about the money" when asked why he is not in College Football 27 [1].
The comment highlights the intersection of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights and digital media, as high-profile coaches and players now negotiate their likenesses in gaming.
Sanders, a Hall of Fame former NFL player, said this during a YouTube video produced by Bleacher Report while on the Colorado Buffaloes campus [1]. When questioned about the omission of his character from the upcoming title, Sanders did not offer a technical or legal explanation. Instead, he used the moment to make a financial quip [1].
The coach has a long history of high-profile success and visibility. In his professional career, Sanders won two Super Bowl titles [3]. This level of fame often makes the inclusion of a personality in a major sports simulation a point of interest for fans and the gaming community.
Sanders' response suggests that the lack of his inclusion is not a point of contention or a serious omission [1]. By framing the absence as a matter of compensation, he aligned the situation with the broader trend of athletes and coaches treating their personal brands as business enterprises.
While the video was posted in late 2026, the exchange continues to circulate among college football fans and gaming enthusiasts [3]. The interaction reflects the personality Sanders has maintained throughout his coaching tenure at Colorado, blending sports leadership with a media-savvy approach to public relations [1].
“"I'm all about the money."”
This interaction underscores the evolving nature of athlete and coach branding in the NIL era. By jokingly attributing his absence from a video game to financial motivations, Sanders emphasizes that digital representation is now a commercial asset rather than just a game feature.
