Deion Sanders Lauds Shohei Ohtani, Comparing Him to NBA and NFL Legends

Colorado head football coach and former MLB player Deion Sanders has heaped praise upon Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani, comparing him to the likes of Michael Jordan and Tom Brady. Ohtani has made history as the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in the same MLB season.

"Ohtani, he's incredible, man," Sanders said Tuesday at a midweek press conference. "You can compare him to the [Michael] Jordans and … Tom Bradys of the world. That's who he is. He's doing things that we haven't fathomed."

Sanders, who played in the MLB with the Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, and San Francisco Giants during his Hall of Fame NFL career, expressed admiration for Ohtani's historic achievement.

"It doesn't make sense," Sanders said of Ohtani's 50-50 mark. "I think the only person[s] [I played against] who probably could have done that was [Jose] Canseco or Barry Bonds."

Canseco and Bonds are considered two of the best hitters in MLB history, but both players' legacies are tainted by their use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Ohtani, on the other hand, has recorded his feats in an era when MLB has cracked down on PED use.

Ohtani is also a pitcher, making him one of the rare MLB players to both pitch and hit on a regular basis (though Ohtani is not pitching this season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery).

Sanders' comparison of Ohtani to Jordan and Brady, two of the most iconic athletes of all time, is a testament to the unique and exceptional talent that Ohtani possesses.

Despite being fully immersed in the college football world as "Coach Prime," Sanders remains deeply aware of the challenges and complexities involved in playing at the MLB level, especially as a hitter.

"You can compare him to the [Michael] Jordans and … Tom Bradys of the world. That's who he is. He's doing things that we haven't fathomed." - Deion Sanders

"I think the biggest compliment you can give a player is when you say they're one of the best at their sport," Sanders added. "And I think Shohei Ohtani is one of the best players in baseball right now."

Ohtani's historic season has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest players in baseball history, including Babe Ruth, who hit 54 home runs and stole 17 bases in 1921.

However, Ohtani's impact goes beyond his individual achievements. He has become a global icon, inspiring young athletes worldwide with his versatility and exceptionalism.

As Ohtani continues to push the boundaries of baseball, it is clear that he has earned the respect and admiration of not only fans and fellow players but also legendary athletes from other sports, including Deion Sanders.