The groundbreaking research, titled “From Athlete to Influencer: Analyzing the Rise of Deion Sanders and the Power of Well Off Media,” is a monumental achievement in the scholarly exploration of Coach Deion Sanders’ unconventional marketing strategies within the traditional collegiate football arena. This transformative endeavor, orchestrated by a collaborative team of seasoned scholars, including Dr. Daryl D. Green, Dr. Xanshunta L. Polk, and Dr. George Taylor III, alongside the notable contributions of graduate students Ms. Carly Hanson and Mr. Zachary Frazier, sheds light on the disruptive force that Coach Sanders and Well Off Media, founded by Deion Sanders Jr., have become in the realm of social influencers.
What distinguishes this study is its unwavering academic rigor and the unique perspective brought forth by the MBA scholars, Hanson and Frazier. This comprehensive analysis emerged from an MBA class at Oklahoma Baptist University, marking a rare accomplishment for graduate students to produce such profound and insightful work.
At the core of the investigation lies the unparalleled success of Coach Sanders in collegiate football and the unconventional marketing strategies that have positioned him as a true game-changer in the field. The research meticulously dissects the strategic actions taken by both Deion Sanders Sr. and Jr., utilizing various management tools to unravel the complexities of their brand cultivation and social influence.
An especially noteworthy aspect of this research is the exploration of Well Off Media and its profound impact on the landscape of social influencers. The inclusion of Deion Sanders Jr.’s role adds a generational dimension to the study, providing a holistic understanding of how the Sanders family has adeptly navigated the intersection of sports, media, and entrepreneurship.
The significance of this study extends beyond academia; it serves as a beacon for scholars and practitioners alike. Deion Sanders, a retired professional football and baseball player, is one of the most versatile athletes of the modern era. He holds the unique distinction of being the only person to play in both a Super Bowl and the World Series. Sanders’ remarkable achievements include hitting a home run and scoring a touchdown across the NFL and MLB in the same seven-day period—a feat unparalleled in sports history. He is also the sole athlete competing in the World Series and a Super Bowl. After retiring from professional sports, Sanders, fondly known as “Prime Time,” seamlessly transitioned to a television analyst role before becoming the head coach of the University of Colorado’s football program.
The research, by bridging the gap in academic knowledge concerning Coach Deion Sanders as a social influencer and disruptive marketer, particularly within the context of collegiate coaching in football, inspires other graduate students. It highlights the potential for impactful contributions in areas traditionally dominated by established scholars.
In the dynamic landscape where sports, business, and media converge, this research, spearheaded by a collaborative team, serves as a testament to the capability of graduate students to produce high-quality, insightful work under the guidance of experienced scholars. Their exceptional efforts contribute to understanding Coach Deion Sanders’ journey and provide a roadmap for future sports media influencers navigating the ever-evolving intersection of sports, media, and entrepreneurship.
For more information about this research, please contact Dr. D. Green.