George Hegamin was already playing for the Dallas Cowboys when Deion Sanders joined as a free agent in 1995.
Hegamin said that when he first met Sanders, they got along well, and he mentioned that Sanders has always been the way people see him now.
Because of their instant connection nearly 30 years ago, Hegamin is now working with Sanders in Boulder. Sanders, who is the head coach of the Colorado football team, hired Hegamin this week as the director of leadership and engagement.
Hegamin said he always knew that they would join forces to help young men, and he is glad to be in this position now.
In his new role, Hegamin will concentrate on helping CU players who have potential to play professionally get ready for their futures.
Hegamin mentioned that while the coaches do a great job on the field, most players want to transition to become professionals one day. He believes that being a professional requires more than just on-field knowledge; it involves having a plan and working towards it every day.
Hegamin, 51, who was born in New Jersey, has experienced all the steps the players have or could go through in the future. He played at North Carolina State and was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1994. He spent seven years in the NFL and was part of the Cowboys’ Super Bowl XXX title team, alongside Sanders.
From 2008-13, he was the executive director of Sanders’ Prime Prep Academy. Additionally, Hegamin has worked at Under Armour, the NFL Players Association, and most recently, at IMG Academy in Florida in various roles.
He believes he is well-equipped to help young players look to the future, having gone from high school to college, then on to the pros, and even winning a Super Bowl.
Hegamin said that “at least” 15 players he has worked with have reached the NFL, including San Francisco 49ers tackle Trent Williams and Alabama tackle JC Latham, who is projected to be a first-round pick in this month’s draft.
He has helped mentor numerous individuals to achieve their goals, and he plans to do the same at CU Buffs. He expressed his passion for coaching, working with kids, and guiding young staff members.
During the 2023 season, Hegamin observed Coach Prime's first season with the Buffs, which had a promising start at 3-0 but finished at 4-8, 1-8 in the Pac-12. Hegamin is eager to contribute to a better season this year.
Hegamin mentioned that he didn't want to see his brother go through a tough time, and he got the chance to help achieve their goals, which aligned perfectly.
