Deion Sanders, the Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback and current head coach at the University of Colorado Boulder, recently expressed his satisfaction that quarterback Haynes King is no longer competing in college football. King, who has made a name for himself with the Carolina Panthers, was a standout player during his time at Georgia Tech, and Sanders is glad to see him in the NFL.
As the Buffaloes prepare for their season opener against Georgia Tech, Sanders reflected on the challenges posed by King in the past. "Thank God that quarterback is gone. That kid refused to lose," Sanders remarked, highlighting King's competitive spirit and ability to perform under pressure.
Last season, Sanders and the Buffaloes faced off against King's Yellow Jackets, resulting in a tough 27-20 loss for Colorado. In that game, King showcased his skills by rushing for an impressive 156 yards and scoring three touchdowns, demonstrating why he was a formidable opponent.
Throughout the 2025 season, King continued to impress, finishing with 2,951 passing yards and 14 touchdown passes, alongside 953 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. His outstanding performance earned him the title of 2025 ACC Offensive Player of the Year and a spot in the top ten of Heisman Trophy voting, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier quarterback.
Transitioning to the NFL, King made a significant impact in his debut with the Panthers during the Hall of Fame Game, where he stepped in for backup quarterback Kenny Pickett. In that game, King scored three touchdowns, including a dramatic game-winning 5-yard dive into the end zone as time expired. This performance not only showcased his talent but also endeared him to Panthers fans.
Unfortunately, King suffered a hamstring injury during the Hall of Fame Game, which limited his preseason activities. Despite this setback, the Panthers decided to include him on their initial 53-man roster as they head into the 2026 season, indicating their confidence in his abilities.
In a twist of fate, Sanders and the Buffaloes recently faced Georgia Tech again, this time emerging victorious with a narrow 14-13 win. This victory may serve as a testament to the growth of the Buffaloes under Sanders' leadership, as they managed to overcome the challenges posed by their former rival, now playing in the NFL.
As the season progresses, both Sanders and King will be looking to make their marks in their respective roles, with Sanders aiming to elevate the Buffaloes and King striving to establish himself as a key player for the Panthers.
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