Terrell Owens-Deion Sanders relationship, explained: Inside connection between Hall of Fame WR and Colorado coach

Gilbert McGregor

Terrell Owens-Deion Sanders relationship, explained: Inside connection between Hall of Fame WR and Colorado coach image

Terrell Owens is one of the most prominent stars to have a consistent presence at Folsom Field for Colorado football games.

More than just a face on the sideline, Owens has attended Colorado practices, a testament to his friendship with Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders.

Year 2 of Sanders' regime in Boulder, Colorado, has meant more of the same, as Owens was spotted assisting quarterback Shedeur Sanders ahead of the team's Week 1 matchup against FCS powerhouse North Dakota State.

Owens' hands-on gameday approach suggests he is more than just a friend of the program. Here is more on Owens' relationship with Coach Prime and whether or not the Hall of Fame WR has a role on Colorado's coaching staff.

MORE: Live updates, highlights from Colorado vs. North Dakota State

Terrell Owens-Deion Sanders relationship, explained

While Owens and Sanders were never NFL teammates, they went head-to-head three times during their respective careers.

Both players are known for their bravado and swagger, so the two meetings between Owens' 49ers and Sanders' Cowboys in the 1990s were must-see TV. Owens later played for Dallas himself, but only after Sanders' retirement. Still, the mutual respect between the pair became the foundation of a strong relationship, one which has blossomed in their post-playing days.

Owens' support of Sanders precedes his tenure at Colorado. While Sanders was getting his college coaching career off the ground at Jackson State, Owens was present at games and practices.

That relationship has continued into Sanders' time with the Buffaloes.

MORE: Coach Prime eager to show his way will work in Year 2 at Colorado

Does Terrell Owens coach for Colorado?

Owens is not listed on Colorado's coaching staff.

While Owens is not a coach, it makes sense that Sanders allows his friend to help out with the team. A Hall of Famer and one of the best WRs to play the game, Owens can impart invaluable wisdom on Colorado's roster. He has notably worked to develop a relationship with Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter.

As Hunter is coached by one of the game's greatest CBs and mentored by a Hall of Fame WR, hs is under great tutelage. Sanders has a unique advantage as his friendships allow him to host legends who are otherwise unaffiliated with the Colorado program. Owens is one of many examples.

MORE: Meet Deion Sanders' Colorado coaching staff after 2024 turnover

Colorado football coaching staff

NamePosition
Deion SandersHead Football Coach
Gary HarrellAssistant Head Coach/Running Backs
Robert LivingstonDefensive Coordinator/Safeties
Pat ShurmurOffensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
Brett BartoloneAssistant Coach/Tight Ends
Vincent DancyAssistant Coach/Defensive Ends
Andre' HartAssistant Coach/Linebackers
Damione LewisAssistant Coach/Defensive Line
Phil LoadholtAssistant Coach/Offensive Line
Kevin MathisAssistant Coach/Cornerbacks
Jason PhillipsAssistant Coach/Wide Receivers
Tommie RobinsonDirector of Quality Control
George HelowSenior Defensive Coach
Warren SappSenior Quality Control Analyst (Defense)
Anthony BalancierQuality Control Analyst (Defense)
Gabe LynnQuality Control Analyst (Defense)
Michael PollockQuality Control Analyst (Offense)
Gunnar WhiteQuality Control Analyst (Offense)
Andrew ZimmerQuality Control Analyst 
Oliver ClearCoaching Assistant
Grant HammerCoaching Assistant
Isaac KresgeCoaching Assistant
Skyler MornhinwegCoaching Assistant
Rashad DavisGraduate Assistant
Josh JynesGraduate Assistant

Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor Photo

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.