Deion Sanders, head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, created a viral moment during their game against the West Virginia Mountaineers when he delivered a fiery message to one of his players.
Wide receiver Joseph Williams, a transfer from Tulsa, complained that an opposing player had spit on him. Angry, he walked up to Sanders to protest. The coach responded sharply: “It’s alright. The [expletive] toughest [expletive] in the game is the [expletive] that walks away.”
A natural reaction
According to The Sports Rush, the tone of Sanders’ message caught everyone by surprise. Known for his charismatic leadership and strong faith, Sanders rarely uses harsh language. However, his comment went viral within seconds, sparking a wave of reactions on social media. “Never heard Coach Prime curse, bro,” one fan said. Others found it humorous, noting that “it made the coach step out of character.”
🔥 A Powerful Message. Coach Prime to Jojo During the Game 🦬
Jojo : “He spit on me”CP : “It’s Aight. The toughest n***a in the game is the n***a that walk away”
📽️ @DeionSandersJr https://t.co/B5m7Ww8BOh pic.twitter.com/ZSbao6hEJ4
— JaKi 🇺🇸 (@JaKiTruth) November 10, 2025
Not everyone saw it as negative. Many fans felt the message showed passion and emotional control in a tense situation. Still, it revealed the pressure the team is facing.
The Buffaloes lost 29-22 to West Virginia, marking their third straight defeat and officially eliminating them from postseason contention. With a 3-7 record, Sanders now faces criticism and speculation about a potential move to the NFL. Some reports even link him to struggling franchises like the New York Giants.
For now, Coach Prime insists his loyalty remains with Colorado. He has repeatedly said he won’t jump to the NFL, focusing instead on rebuilding his college program.
Sanders has turned the Buffaloes into a media phenomenon, and despite the controversy, his leadership continues to inspire players and fans alike. Even when his message includes unexpected language, the intent behind it — teaching strength and restraint — remains clear.