Deion Sanders was drafted in two different professional sports leagues: he was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 5th round (125th overall) of the 1985 MLB draft and by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2nd round (36th overall) of the 1989 NFL draft. This profile breaks down both drafts, his athletic timeline, and the teams involved, offering verified context for his groundbreaking two-sport career. Below, you will find the specific round, pick number, year, and key context for each sport.
Deion Sanders in the 1985 MLB Draft
In Major League Baseball, the Kansas City Royals chose Deion Sanders in the 5th round with the 125th overall pick in 1985. This selection reflected the value teams placed on his combination of speed, arm strength, and defensive versatility. Sanders went on to play several seasons as an outfielder and later became known for his two-sport excellence and longevity.
MLB Draft Table
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Sport | Baseball (MLB) | Draft Records |
| Round | 5th round | Draft Records |
| Overall Pick | 125th overall | Draft Records |
| Team | Kansas City Royals | Draft Records |
| Year | 1985 | Historical Draft Data |
Deion Sanders in the 1989 NFL Draft
In the National Football League, the Atlanta Falcons selected Deion Sanders in the 2nd round with the 36th overall pick in the 1989 NFL draft. This pick marked the beginning of his notable NFL career, during which he became one of the most electrifying cornerbacks in league history and solidified his dual-sport legacy.
NFL Draft Table
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Sport | Football (NFL) | Draft Records |
| Round | 2nd round | Draft Records |
| Overall Pick | 36th overall | Draft Records |
| Team | Atlanta Falcons | Draft Records |
| Year | 1989 | Draft Records |
Key Timeline of Draft Years
- 1985: Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 5th round (125th overall) of the MLB draft.
- 1989: Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2nd round (36th overall) of the NFL draft.
Comparative Snapshot
| Sport | Round | Pick | Team | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLB | 5th | 125th | Kansas City Royals | 1985 |
| NFL | 2nd | 36th | Atlanta Falcons | 19189 |
Context and Two-Sport Significance
Being drafted in multiple top rounds across two major sports is exceptionally rare. Sanders’ 5th round MLB pick provided an early professional platform, while his 2nd round NFL selection demonstrated that his athletic traits translated at the highest level of football. His path is frequently cited as a benchmark for evaluating multi-sport athletes and the trade-offs between baseball and football development.
Why Draft Round Information Matters
Draft round and overall pick number are strong indicators of projected talent and organizational investment. For Sanders, a 5th-round MLB selection and a 2nd-round NFL pick signaled high upside and versatility. These choices also reflect the competitive dynamics of each draft year and how teams evaluated hybrid athletic profiles in the 1980s.
Legacy and Lasting Influence
Sanders’ draft history anchors a career that reshaped both baseball and football coaching and fandom. His early drafts set the stage for a Hall of Fame trajectory in the NFL and a respected MLB tenure, influencing how teams and fans view elite two-sport athletes to this day.
For anyone asking, “Which round was Deion Sanders drafted in?” the short answer is that he was drafted in the 5th round of the 1985 MLB draft and the 2nd round of the 1989 NFL draft. These selections launched a career that remains a touchstone for discussions about athletic versatility, draft strategy, and long-term excellence across multiple sports.