Deion Sanders' stardom knows no bounds, making the Colorado head coach not just a media darling, but also a lightning rod for companies hoping to use his glistening smile to make a quick buck.
He added another glimmering brand deal to his artillery, using Colorado State head coach Jay Norvell's dig on his penchant for sunglasses and hats during pressers as a way to elevate his standing — and his bag.
Sanders held a team meeting ahead of Saturday's Buffaloes-Rams clash at Folsom Field. In the meeting, he laid out his hopes for the big game. But he also gifted each of his pupils with glinting black sunglasses courtesy of Blenders Eyewear.
MORE: Deion Sanders fires back after Colorado State coach Jay Norvell's diss
The shades are sleek, coated in midnight black and accented by lively yellow frames. It serves as just another bit of motivation as the Buffs look to wipe the floor with their intrastate rivals, who, according to Sanders, have made things "personal" with Norvell's thinly veiled barb.
Ever the entrepreneur, Sanders offered the eyewear to ESPN First Take's hosts when he made an appearance on the show — which aired live from Boulder — on Friday.
Deion Sanders Blenders Eyewear deal, explained
Sanders has long been an admirer of a good pair of sunglasses. He rocked them time and time again during his playing career and retirement has only further cemented that passion.
The analyst-turned-coach needed a pair that would fit his bubbly yet intense persona to a tee. Enter Blenders Eyewear, a San Diego-based retailer that crafts spectacles for the stars. Blenders and Coach Prime teamed up to drop a limited edition line of sunglasses available in Buffs' black and gold. The glasses, which pair Blenders' Millenia X2 silhouette with the company's signature PureBlend Polar Lens, offer a palette for wearers to express their individuality. That's a virtue that Sanders knows everything about.
DeCOURCY: Deion Sanders may think the media is after him, but he's been great for business
“I’m not new to this, I’m TRUE 2 THIS! And the Blenders Eyewear family and myself certainly see eye 2 eye on our commitment to QUALITY and STYLE,” said Sanders in a statement. “See, eyewear is much larger than just fashion. It’s an outlet to EXPRESS YOURSELF, it’s a CONVERSATION STARTER, it sets the DARN TONE! Look good, feel good, PLAY GOOD!”
The company opted to announce its intention to drop the apparel — which is set to be available in stores starting on Oct. 12 — just a few days after Norvell offered Colorado bulletin board material. Talk about striking when the iron is hot.
Deion Sanders sunglasses brand
Sanders and his company, Team Prime, are partnering with Blenders Eyewear to craft the next innovation in face-wear design. Sports meets fashion where the shades are involved, protecting the likes of Sanders and his Colorado personnel from the fury of the sun, all the while adding just that bit of fairy dust to any outfit.
MORE: Breaking down Shedeur Sanders' amazing start as Colorado's quarterback
Sanders has experimented with numerous sunglasses brands, including Oakleys and Spy Optics. But it seems he has met his match in Blenders, a brand seeming to have all the brashness and bravado Sanders desires out of his players and coaches alike.
What is Blenders?
Blenders is a San Diego-based apparel company specializing in eyewear. From prescription glasses to snow goggles, it seems Blenders has everything one would need to protect their eyesight.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tLzOq6uippejsri%2FjZympmelqHyvr8CaZJ%2Bnn6mvorjLaKWer6Nksaa1zqdkrJmembKzv4ysrKefnJbAtLHSZpyxqJyWtq%2Bxw2aZpZ2embKzv4yesJ6vlZa%2FcHyScZptbpZngaKFxXCdnZqSZ4VyhcOfmw%3D%3D