Deion Sanders Comments on Absence from EA Sports College Football Game

Deion Sanders shared that he “didn’t participate in the game,” referring to “EA Sports College Football 27.” The Colorado football coach hinted that financial reasons might be behind this decision during a media event at Big 12 Media Day.

When questioned by The Athletic about his exclusion, Sanders remarked, “I’m not really into video games. I have a dedicated team handling many aspects of my career. If my likeness isn’t in the game, it probably means they’re not compensating me adequately. Perhaps it just didn’t align with our current direction. Or maybe it seemed a bit too basic.” His comments left a bit to ponder, didn’t they?

He didn’t shy away from making some offhand comments about media coverage, quipping, “Thanks, Athletic. You guys are doing a great job,” before jokingly adding, “You know I’m lying, right?”

Interestingly, an EA spokesperson clarified to The Athletic that coaches don’t get paid to be included in the game and that their presence is based on an “unpaid license.” Since the franchise’s return in 2024 after an extended break, it has seen various real-life coaches, marking a new era for the popular series.

It’s worth mentioning that several other coaches, like Bill Belichick from North Carolina, and Miami’s Mario Cristobal, will also not be in this release, much like Sanders. These coaches will be replaced by generic characters on the sidelines.

Sanders’ Colorado team had a rough 3-9 season last year, with a 1-8 record in conference play, so it seems that perhaps more focus needs to be placed on improving that record.