Deion Sanders sons vs. Jerry Rice son: USC-Colorado features next-gen flashback to famous NFL dads

Dan Treacy

Deion Sanders sons vs. Jerry Rice son: USC-Colorado features next-gen flashback to famous NFL dads image

Fans of the 1990s NFL are in for a taste of nostalgia on Saturday.

Plenty of fresh faces will be showcased when Colorado hosts USC, including projected No. 1 pick Caleb Williams, but some all too familiar names will also be plastered all over the field.

In addition to NFL legend Deion Sanders and his two sons, who play for the Buffaloes, the son of 49ers great Jerry Rice will also be on the field. Yes, that means the sons of Sanders and Rice -- who famously did battle in the NFC for a number of years -- will be facing off in Boulder.

Here's a closer look at the children of NFL icons who will be on the field Saturday, plus a look back at the memorable battles between Rice and Sanders.

MORE: Revisiting the epic rivalry between Deion Sanders, Jerry Rice

Who are Deion Sanders' sons?

Shedeur Sanders

Shedeur spent his first two collegiate seasons at Jackson State, playing under his father. Naturally, he followed Coach Prime to Boulder and was instantly named Colorado's starting quarterback.

While that fact might ordinarily spark concerns about nepotism, that wasn't the case here. Shedeur was one of the most productive quarterbacks at the FCS level, and he has put himself on NFL radars with his arm talent and poise. 

Shedeur earned himself early Heisman Trophy consideration this season, throwing for 510 yards in his Colorado debut and amassing 10 touchdown passes through three games, a tough day against Oregon last week put that discussion on the backburner. Still, it's hard to argue with the overall results from a player who could potentially carry on his father's legacy at the next level.

Shilo Sanders

Shilo is a defensive back for Colorado, after he also played under his father at Jackson State for the last two seasons. Unlike his brother, Shilo had played at the FBS level before transferring to the Buffaloes. He started his career at South Carolina under Will Muschamp and is currently a fifth-year senior.

Shilo's status for the matchup with USC is up in the air after he was hospitalized with a kidney injury after last week's loss to Oregon. A Colorado defense that had a hard time reining in the Ducks' offense could certainly use Shilo's experience against the reigning Heisman winner.

MORE: Deion Sanders rejects Travis Hunter's plea to play vs. USC

Who is Jerry Rice's son?

Brenden Rice

Rice followed in his father's footsteps by taking up the wide receiver position. Like Sanders' sons, he's bounced around a bit. Rice actually started his collegiate career at Colorado, long before Sanders was even associated with the school. He originally committed while Mel Tucker was the Buffaloes' head coach and stayed committed to play under Karl Dorrell.

After two seasons of limited usage in Boulder, Rice transferred to join newly-hired coach Lincoln Riley at USC. He told 247 Sports that he was open to a return to Boulder until Lincoln Riley came in with an offer.

"I get a couple other calls, but as soon as you heard Lincoln call, you just had to go. Especially with like USC and its big name. You gotta come. You have to. Man, it was quick. I was shocked," Rice said.

Rice played a role in Williams' Heisman season, totaling 611 yards and four touchdown on 39 catches. While he's averaging only three catches per game this season even with Jordan Addison out of the picture, he already has a career-high five touchdowns.

While the Sanders family has drawn most of the attention this season, Rice and the high-flying Trojans offense could certainly steal the show against a struggling Colorado defense.

MORE: Why Caleb Williams' father says son might not enter 2024 NFL Draft

Jerry Rice vs. Deion Sanders in the NFL

The greatness of Jerry Rice and Deion Sanders is unquestioned.

Rice is a 13-time Pro-Bowler, 10-time All-Pro, three-time Super Bowl champion and easily the NFL's all-time leading receiver. Sanders, on the other hand, was an eight-time Pro-Bowler, six-time All-Pro, and two-time Super Bowl champion.

Both are Hall of Famers, and Sanders made an MLB career for himself in addition to football, making him a larger-than-life figure even before entering the coaching universe.

In the NFL, Rice and Sanders were often on opposite sides in important moments, whether during Sanders' time with the Falcons or during his stint in Dallas.

Here is the full breakdown of the 10 matchups between Rice and Sanders, courtesy of SN's Bill Bender.

DATE SCORE RICE SANDERS
Nov. 12, 1989 SF 45, ATL 3 3-81, 2 TDs 3 tackles, 49 return yards
Dec. 3, 1989 SF 23, ATL 10 3-32 1 tackle 75 return yds, INT
Sept. 23, 1990 ATL 19, SF 13 8-171, TD 2 tackles, 36 return yards
Oct. 14, 1990 SF 45, ATL 35 13-225, 5 TDs 4 tackles, 110 return yards
Oct. 13, 1991 ATL 39, SF 34 7-138, TD 3 tackles, 100-yard KO TD
Nov. 3, 1991 ATL 17, SF 14 6-44 3 tackles, 2 PBU, INT
Nov. 9, 1992 SF 41, ATL 3 4-45, TD  3 tackles, 95 return yards 
Dec. 11, 1993 ATL 27, SF 24 6-105 5 tackles, 2 INTs, 3 PBU
Nov. 12, 1995 SF 38, DAL 20 5-161, TD 2 tackles
Nov. 10, 1996 DAL 20, SF 17 5-49 1 tackle, 2 PBU

Rice and Sanders went 5-5 in their 10 matchups, respectively, and their rivalry is one that defined an era of the NFL. 

Dan Treacy

Dan Treacy Photo

Dan Treacy is a content producer for Sporting News, joining in 2022 after graduating from Boston University. He founded @allsportsnews on Instagram in 2012 and has written for Lineups and Yardbarker.