Deion Sanders, the legendary NFL Hall of Famer and the head coach of Colorado Buffaloes football team, is known for his flashy style and charismatic personality. He always makes a statement with his outfits, whether it’s his signature sunglasses, his custom-made suits, or his colorful accessories. But there is one piece of clothing that has a special meaning for him: a patch on his sleeve that reads “JC”. What does it stand for and why does he wear it? Here are some facts about the JC patch and the story behind it.
JC stands for Jimmie Callaway, a former Florida State equipment manager
Jimmie Callaway was a beloved figure at Florida State University, where he worked as a volunteer and an employee for 50 years. He started as a student manager in 1954 and became the head equipment manager in 1973. He retired in 2004 but continued to help out as a volunteer until his death in 2020 at the age of 85 due to heart failure.
Callaway was more than just an equipment manager. He was a mentor, a friend, and a father figure to many of the players who came through the program, including Deion Sanders. Sanders played for Florida State from 1985 to 1988 and won the Jim Thorpe Award as the best defensive back in college football in his senior year. He also played baseball and ran track for the Seminoles.
Callaway and Sanders had a close bond that lasted beyond their time at Florida State. Callaway was there for Sanders when he was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 1989 and when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. Sanders often called Callaway “Pops” and credited him for teaching him valuable life lessons.
Sanders wears the JC patch to honor Callaway’s memory and legacy
When Sanders became the head coach of Colorado Buffaloes in 2023, he decided to pay tribute to Callaway by wearing a patch on his sleeve that reads “JC”. He explained the meaning of the patch in an interview with Fox Sports’ Jenny Taft at halftime of Colorado’s home opener against Nebraska on September 9, 2023.
“He was my father figure at Florida State. He taught me how to be a man. He taught me how to tie a tie. He taught me how to dress. He taught me how to act. He taught me how to respect people. He taught me everything,” Sanders said.
Sanders also said that he wanted to share Callaway’s wisdom and influence with his players at Colorado. He said that Callaway was “one of the greatest men” he ever met and that he wanted to honor him every time he stepped on the field.
The JC patch is part of Sanders’ unique approach to coaching and culture building
Sanders has brought a lot of changes and innovations to Colorado since taking over as the head coach. He has transformed the Buffaloes from a struggling program into a contender in the Big 12 conference. He has also created a culture of excellence, confidence, and fun among his players and staff.
One of the ways that Sanders has done this is by giving his players and coaches different patches and accessories to wear on their jerseys and clothing. For example, he has designated some of his players as “Dawgs” and “Leaders” based on their performance and attitude, and given them special patches to show their status. He has also given every member on the team a pair of his signature sunglasses to wear during games and practices.
The JC patch is another example of Sanders’ unique approach to coaching and culture building. It shows that he cares about his players as individuals and not just as athletes. It also shows that he values the history and tradition of college football and respects the people who have helped him along the way.
The JC patch is more than just a piece of clothing. It is a symbol of love, gratitude, and inspiration for Deion Sanders and everyone who knows him. It is a heartfelt tribute to Jimmie Callaway, who touched many lives with his kindness and generosity. It is a reminder that football is more than just a game. It is a family.