Dallas Cowboys legend Deion Sanders has seen it all. He is the only athlete to have played in both the Super Bowl and a World Series.

The former cornerback shared some words of wisdom on his X handle about how saying “no” was the greatest thing that ever happened to him.

“1 of the Greatest things that EVER happened to me was that I Learned How To Say NO early on in my Life. NO, has kept me out of a lot of foolishness, trouble & situations that weren't good for me & where I desired to go in life. No!” Sanders wrote on his X handle.

Sanders, widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive backs in the NFL, has had a career spanning 14 seasons. He spent 4 seasons with the Cowboys from 1995-1999. He also won the Super Bowl in 1995 with the Cowboys.

Now dubbed "Coach Prime," Sanders has shared his wisdom with young athletes looking to make their mark. Sanders believes that athletes get the wrong kind of advice.

Speaking to Business Insider, Sanders had said, "We have young men who listen to the wrong advice. They're basing things on everything other than the main thing."

Sanders is also a father of five, with two of his children, Shedeur and Shilo Sanders, playing in the NFL.

When someone like Deion Sanders advises, young athletes take notice. Sanders has also shared a four-step piece of advice to up-and-coming NFL players.

Sanders gives practical advice to young talent

Speaking to Business Insider, Sanders shared four crucial tips for young athletes coming out of college football.

His first piece of advice is that athletes shouldn’t choose a college based on money alone.

"I would attend a university based on staff, based on likability, based on the location that I wanted to be at, and the situation that I think could elevate me to the next level, not solely based on finances," he said.

Secondly, he advised athletes to focus on needs first and not wants. He warned them not to get caught up in status symbols like private planes.

His third piece of advice was to take care of health first, and eat healthy and clean.

Lastly, he spoke about reducing stress and moving away from unwanted conflict and distractions.

"I keep my peace. I don't have any fools and no foolishness in my life," he said. "I eliminate all of that stuff, that mess that causes you stress,” he concluded.

The advice from the legend is not only useful for young athletes but can also be applied to all walks of life.

You can read more at the Dallas Cowboys Community!

Written by

Shyam Hari

Edited by

Kalp Thaker