Deion Sanders' Colorado program is the big-ticket item in the world of college sports at the moment. And as the team continues its reign of terror across the Rocky Mountains, at least one high-profile name wants to join the bandwagon.
Hall of Famer Warren Sapp expressed interest in joining Sanders' staff as a defensive line specialist when appearing on the Rich Eisen Show on Tuesday. The former Miami (Fla.) and Buccaneers stalwart revealed that he is already putting things in place to join Sanders and the Buffs in 2024.
"I got my transcript," Sapp told Eisen. "I'm starting the process, Rich."
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Sapp has been galavanting with the Buffs throughout the season, first popping up in Fort Worth for their season opener against TCU, then returning to Boulder to spit some knowledge to the youngsters on their defensive line. It was through those conversations that Sapp became convinced of the legitimacy of Coach Prime's project; he said he saw a glimmer in his pupils' eyes that he had never seen before.
"Them kids, you know what, for the first time in my life, I was loved on by some defensive linemen and they wanted to know, like, the keys to the vault," Sapp said. "I had five, six young men around me, Rich, that was basically ready to strip search me like 'I know that there's a key in there, somewhere, that you're gonna give me.'"
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It's a strange analogy, perhaps. But it's one that reveals just how invested Sapp is in Colorado's success. The interaction with his fellow trench warriors "infected" him with the desire to return to campus in some sort of capacity.
To what extent? Well, that depends on Sanders. However, it seems he and Sapp have an understanding; Sapp wants a part-time role, one that would allow him to partake in his usual interests: fishing, sleeping and watching Rachel Maddow (?), among others.
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Sanders explained that he's more than willing to accommodate with his fellow Hall of Famers requirements, saying the following in an appearance on Eisen's show last weekend:
"I want him to be [on my staff.] It's different, it's different Rich. Guys like that, the only reason they won't go into coaching is because of the time allocated. I don't need all that. I know him, I know what I need. You don't need to come here and sit around all day. Come in the morning, we practice at 9, we're on the field at 9. Get those kids ready in the morning. Work your butt off on the field. After, watch film with them and go home. You're home by noon."
The former NFL Network comrades appear to have a similar vision on what Sapp's role would be with program going forward. And it seems things are a go for Sapp to join the ranks next season. His first step: getting his degree.
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"I want to be there next year," Sapp said. "I want to be there next year, I'm going to get everything, the paperwork, and I'm going to go to work. Because sitting on my couch watching tape, making 'Sapp in the Lab.' I'm gonna go Sapp into class. I'm gonna go Sapp online. I'm finna go get this degree. Then we're gonna go out and teach these kids these five steps to the quarterback."
