The Prime Numbers Game With Deion Sanders

Numbers Must Be Earned

What do you get when you add Deion Sanders and Jerry Jones into a numbers equation when it comes to jerseys? In this week's double-dose edition of my newsletter (last weeks was missing), I want to go over some numbers with you that I think is important.

My son Bryce recently signed up to play football with his middle school last week. For the past 3 years, he has participated in the Graham Kapowsin youth football league.

During that time he switched numbers at each level. Initially, it was 39, then it was 43, next was 11, and finally, he is currently number 7. As a defensive lineman that is. Which goes against Sander's philosophy with linemen and single-digit numbers.

According to Coach Prime with the Colorado Buffaloes, his players must earn their numbers with his program which he recently announced last week. He also added that each season players will have to re-earn that same number. Placing importance more on the competitive aspect rather than the individual player each season.

In addition, this Monday kicks off the news cycle with the Dallas Cowboys announcing CB Stephon Gilmore will wear the number 21 this fall. The same number Sanders wore for the Cowboys for 5 of his 16 years as a CB in the NFL. Dont forget that Ezekiel Elliott wore this same number for 7 years. With this announcement could that mean Zeke would never return to the Cowboy's locker room? Or would he return let's say with the number 15 instead?

"Everything you do around here WILL BE EARNED." ~Coach Prime

The other side of the jersey game

Sanders essentially made the number 21 relevant in the NFL and popular for defensive backs in general. Jerry jones understands this also. When the Cowboys traded 2 picks to the Colts for Gilmore he likely knew he would tap the jersey sales as a result.

Gilmore comes to the Cowboys recognized across the NFL as one the best CBs currently playing. Now opposite sides of Trevon Diggs the Cowboy's secondary looks to produce another HOF CB or 2 in the future.

I wouldn't put it past Jerry Jones to have a team in a basement right now switching nameplates on all 21 jerseys with 'Elliott" on them to "Gilmore" in order to sell more jerseys as a result.

The Message

I love the message that Coach Prime is sending to his players when it comes to EARNING your number with the team. Every season you will need to compete. Nothing is given and everything will be earned. Such is life, right?

Im not so certain that Jerry would be able to operate on this model, however. Just weeks before the NFL Draft in KC he understands the power of the number 21. When it comes to Cowboys fans Im certain Gilmore's jersey will be a "Top Seller" very soon.

After all, Sanders had a hit single called "Must Be The Money" released on December 26, 1994. In his testimony, he shared that once he ran into NFL money all those around him changed as a result.

Be sure to join my newsletter today and grab your seat on this Super Bowl train headed for Kansas City for the NFL's 2023 Draft. Each week I share my thoughts from a "Big Picture" POV.

Numbers are very important in all of our lives. When it comes to both Jones and Sanders however they have officially changed the game's equation. One is in the sense of a collective vision while the other focuses on the individual. Either way, let's just say it's good for both business models.

I hope all football players are paying attention to this. I wonder which number my son Bryce will choose with his middle school team now. Only time will tell.

We both know what the definition of insanity is, right? Stop doing the same thing over and over each week and not getting your desired result. Grab your seat on this train and let's enjoy the sights as we chat along the ride to Kansas City.

See you here next week. ~BG