Deion Sanders is famous for lots of things. Starring in football and baseball. Resuscitating the Jackson State Tigers and snapping up a new gig coaching the Colorado Buffaloes. Earning, in every sense of the word, the nickname “Prime Time.” (Though these days he just goes by Coach Prime.)
But Sanders’ most significant contribution to the worlds of sports and style might be this quote: “If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play good. If you play good, they pay good.” (Lately he appends “If they pay good, you live good” to the end.) If there’s a single string of sentences that explains the absolute revolution in athlete style that’s taken place over the last forty years—from players getting dressed to players *getting dressed—*it’s that one.
Deion on NFL Draft day in 1989.
AP Photo/David Banks
Which is why Deion Sanders is on the cover of our February issue, and (along with fellow inductees Allen Iverson and Derek Jeter) a member of the inaugural class of the GQ Sports Style Hall of Fame—a new a way for us to honor the athletes whose influence extends far beyond the field of play.
When you’re flying from Pittsburgh to Miami, you need a jacket and shorts. (Always need the Louis bag.)
AP Photo/Chaz Pall
