Deion Sanders Describes Emotions of Seeing Noel Devine: ‘I Love Him Like a Son’

Most WVU fans know all about the story of Deion Sanders helping to facilitate Noel Devine becoming a Mountaineer. Despite their longstanding connection, the Pro Football Hall of Famer turned Colorado head coach and the WVU legend haven’t enjoyed too many chances to be around each other on a football field over the years.

However, an added bonus of Sanders leading his Colorado team into Morgantown to meet West Virginia was being able to see Devine.

Before kickoff and before WVU would eventually beat Colorado 29-22, Sanders was able to spend some time with the kid he once mentioned.

Below is what Sanders had to say when asked about seeing Devine after the game.

“Oh my god, he brought tears to my eyes. I love him like a son. I really do. I am so proud of him for where he is now from where he came. I knew him as a kid, and I know him as a father. A darn good father, and a darn good coach. I am so darn proud of that man. That was the second time we embraced at a football stadium. The last time was his senior year back against FSU, and I went to see the game, and it was very tearful. That shows you can’t write a kid off. Love them, give them time, give them respect, and just pour into them what you are capable of pouring into them. The main thing is the father he is. That is what I love the most.”

WATCH: Colorado coach Deion Sanders talk about WVU great running back Noel Devine and seeing him today. Sanders helped develop Devine years ago.

Sanders: “He brought tears to my eyes. I love him like a son.” (🎥:@CUBuffs) pic.twitter.com/IKix0IyPKD

— Spencer Ripchik (@RipchikSpencer) November 9, 2025

Sanders also explained how he discovered Devine in the first place all those years ago.

“(Colorado director of player development) James Chaney, one of our coaches, as well as his brother. You find out everything at the barbershop because kids come in, family members come in and you know who is who. They told me about his situation and how help was needed, and it was tremendous, but it didn’t work out at that particular time, but we never lost touch. I am so proud of that darn man. Also, Pac-Man (Adam) Jones is like a son to me as well. They have birthed some wonderful players from this darn university, and I love what their head coach is doing right now. He has given them that attitude that they need, and I am a big fan of his,” said Sanders.

Thanks to an assist from Sanders, WVU fans were able to watch Devine gash opposing defenses. Devine, now a member of Rich Rodriguez’s coaching staff, ran for 4,315 yards and scored 29 touchdowns as a Mountaineer. He also made 98 receptions and racked up 710 more yards as a receiver.

Find more coverage of Noel Devine at WV Sports Now.