Falcons or 49ers? Deion Sanders’ retro nike sneakers spark debate

On By Littum

Deion Sanders has had an unparalleled career in sports. Sanders played in the MLB and NFL, worked as a TV commercial and is now in coaching.

Thanks to his long and successful career, many fan bases want to claim “Primetime” as their own team’s hero. This debate is bubbling up once again thanks to a retro sneaker release from Nike.

Since Sanders and Nike reunited in 2023, the two partners have worked together on Cleats and Sneaker releases. Most of the styles have told old stories from Sanders’ legendary career with new colorways.

Deion Sanders' white, black and red Nike sneakers.

Nike Air Diamond Turf in “Fire Red and Metallic Gold” Colorway. / Nike

Now, the Nike Air Diamond Turf returns in the “Fire Red and Metallic Gold” colorway, and fans are divided. Are the shoes inspired by the Atlanta Falcons or the San Francisco 49ers? Sanders last played for the Falcons in 1993 before spending one season with the 49ers in 1994.

Sanders first debuted the popular cross trainers when he played for the Falcons. However, the Colorway also features 49ers colors. Football fans are furiously pulling up old photos of Sanders wearing the kicks with the Falcons and 49ers, even comparing similar colors.

To further complicate matters, various retailers and media refer to the “Fire Red and Metallic Gold” colorway as either the “Falcons” or “49ers” colorway.

Deion Sanders' white, black and red Nike sneakers.

Nike Air Diamond Turf in “Fire Red and Metallic Gold” Colorway. / Nike

The debate will live on for the foreseeable future, but all football fans and sneakerheads can agree that these old-school sneakers are fire. Best of all, they fall right before the NFL’s conference championship weekend.

Nike Air Diamond Turf “Fire Red and Metallic Gold” Releases at 10:00 a.m. EST Friday, January 24th. Online shoppers can purchase sneakers for $150 in adult sizes at Nike SNKRS website and app.

The product description does not mention any NFL team or city. Instead, it focuses on the design. According to the brand, the iconic cross trainer from 1994 has received a “street-ready update.”

Deion Sanders' white, black and red Nike sneakers.

Nike Air Diamond Turf in “Fire Red and Metallic Gold” Colorway. / Nike

Additionally, this version features air units in the heel and forefoot, plus durable leather and a midfoot strap for a secure fit. Finally, the description leaves the name open to interpretation, “and that colorway? Same as the original.”

This colorway features a white and black upper, contrasted by fiery red accents and metallic gold detailing. Such key elements as the Nike Air logo, forefoot strap and signature branding remain true to the original.

Sanders and Nike made history in the mid-1990s, and they’re still proving to be a formidable team this decade. Stay locked into Sports Illustrated’s kicks on SI for all your footwear news from the world of sports and beyond.

The debate is settled. Nike promoted Sanders’ sneakers with an Instagram post highlighting his time in Atlanta with the Braves and Falcons. Now that the Falcons have received a colorway, hopefully that means the 49ers will get a colorway as well.