On Sunday, Colorado football head coach Deion Sanders honored the late Rickey Henderson, a revered figure in Major League Baseball, who passed away at the age of 65. Sanders acknowledged Henderson as his 'baseball hero', highlighting the profound impact the player had on the sport and its enthusiasts.

During his athletic career, Deion Sanders demonstrated his prowess as a two-sport athlete, enjoying a notable nine-season stint in Major League Baseball. Over the course of his career, he amassed 186 stolen bases, showcasing his exceptional speed and agility, particularly noted during the 1997 season when he successfully stole 56 bases. It is widely believed that had Sanders dedicated himself solely to baseball, he would have significantly increased his ranking on the all-time stolen bases list, although he would still fall short of matching Henderson's record.

Rickey Henderson is recognized as the all-time leader in stolen bases in MLB history, with an astounding total of 1,406 steals—468 more than the second-place holder, Lou Brock. While Sanders contributed to the stolen bases category, his batting statistics during his career reflect a .263 average and a .319 on-base percentage. In contrast, Henderson boasted a .279 career batting average and an impressive .401 on-base percentage, solidifying his legacy as one of the finest lead-off hitters in baseball history. One of Henderson's most memorable performances occurred in 1989 when he managed to walk four times, steal five bases, and score four runs in a single game, demonstrating his remarkable ability to change the dynamic of a matchup without requiring a hit.