Coach Prime responds to "gone fishing" at practice perception

Earlier today, a video of Deion Sanders at what appeared to be a spring practice sitting on a medicine ball with a fishing rod resting in his hands drew a bunch of criticism from folks online.

I know, imagine...an outraged virtual mob, right?

Some critics pointed to the images and video circulating as Prime wishing he was gone fishing instead of at practice, not exactly the image a coach coming off his second losing season in three season would want.

Initially framed as him having the medicine ball at practice, a closer look actually reveals it was at the team's Pro Day event for NFL hopefuls and scouts.

Prime, an avid outdoorsman who has been vocal about his love of fishing long before moving to Boulder, felt compelled to respond to the haters in a unique way that many of us have grown to love and appreciate.

Via Instagram, Sanders shared the following message:

"I have a PRIME fishing rod at Pro day today because 1 of my players who's been with me for 5 years wanted 1 but the deal was he had to run a certain time in the 40 & I was going to give it to him on the spot. My kids know I'm an earn it type of guy. Next time just ask and don't assume please. Love ya regardless because God loves me in the same way."

Sanders is set to enter his fourth season at the help at Colorado. Coming off a disappoingint 3-9 season, Prime made significant changes to the Buffs staff and also saw a few coaches leave for opportunities in the NFL.

New coaches in Boulder include offensive coordinator Brennan Marion, defensive coordinator Chris Marve (who had initially joined the staff as linebackers coach after previously serving as defensive coordinator at Virginia Tech), as well as assistants Vonn Bell (safeties), Aaron Fletcher (corners), and Dante' Carter (DL) among a host of others.

We'll get a good feel for the 2026 outlook for the Buffs early on this year, as their first month features road trips to Georgia Tech, Northwestern and a Big 12 opener against Baylor with a week 2 home tilt against FCS Weber State their lone home contest in September. The slate brings high-level action to Folsom Field, with marquee matchups against 2025 CFP participant Texas Tech (Oct. 3), Utah (Oct. 17), and Kansas State on Halloween with key home games also set to include Houston and UCF. Key road tests include trips to Oklahoma State, Arizona State, and Cincinnati to round out a challenging schedule for Prime's group.

Stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.