Coach Prime leverages his influence to advocate for Jimmy Horn Jr. after a costly special teams error led to the former Colorado star’s release in Carolina.
Deion Sanders tried to do what he could to get Jimmy Horn Jr. another NFL opportunity.
After the Carolina Panthers waived the fan favorite on Tuesday, the Colorado Buffaloes coach stepped in to try and fix the situation. During his weekly coaches show with Mark Johnson Wednesday, Sanders said he made some calls to NFL teams on Horn's behalf.
"I made some calls," Sanders told Johnson. Coach Prime has always tried to embrace being a father figure for Horn during his time in Boulder. So it's only natural for him to take an active role in wanting to help find his next landing spot. Horn cleared waivers and is expected to rejoin the Panthers' practice squad.
The former Colorado Buffaloes star receiver, who was drafted by Carolina in the sixth-round of the 2025 NFL Draft, appeared in 15 games while in Carolina. Horn muffed a punt in Sunday’s season-opening 59-37 loss against the Chicago Bears. The mistake led to a turnover during the fourth-hottest game ever played at Bank of America Stadium.
Horn had 162 receptions for 1,967 yards and 13 total touchdowns during his collegiate career between Colorado and South Florida. He also threw for a score during the 2023 season with the Buffs.
Colorado had four players, including Horn, who were taken in the 2025 NFL Draft. Travis Hunter went No. 2 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars as one of the most dynamic players in recent memory. The two-way Heisman Trophy winner was also the highest drafted cornerback and second-highest drafted wide receiver in NFL history. He matched the highest draft pick in CU history alongside Bo Matthews (No. 2 overall to the San Diego Chargers in 1974). Hunter is just the fourth top 5 pick in CU history, also joining Byron White (No. 4 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1938) and Michael Westbrook (No. 4 to Washington in 1995).
Like Horn, LaJohntay Wester was taken in the sixth round of the Draft. He has come into his own with the Baltimore Ravens and is a key part of the offense. Shedeur Sanders took a slide in the Draft after being taken No. 144 overall by the Cleveland Browns. The quarterback for Hunter, Horn and Wester finished the 2024 season as the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Winner.
Panthers head coach Dave Canelas said on Wednesday the team intends to bring Horn back to the practice squad and needed depth at linebacker after injuries at the position. No word if Horn will stay in Carolina.
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