Deion Sanders Praises Colorado Linebacker Gideon Lampron

After meeting Deion Sanders on a flight in December, linebacker Gideon Lampron—known for his distinctive middle name “ESPN”—joined the Colorado Buffaloes. Sanders, who serves as Colorado’s head coach, later called Lampron “a bona fide leader” and “a playmaker” during the program’s preseason remarks. The Buffaloes, coming off a 3-9 season, opened their 2024 schedule on Sept. 3 at Georgia Tech.

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Lampron, a 6-foot, 220-pound athlete from LaGrange, Ohio, was lightly recruited out of high school. He began at Dayton in the FCS, recording 27½ tackles for loss and earning first-team All-America honors in 2024. He then transferred to Bowling Green, where he amassed 119 tackles under former NFL star Eddie George. Seeking a new opportunity after the transfer portal opened, Lampron introduced himself to Sanders on the plane, prompting the coach’s invitation to Colorado.

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• 27½ tackles for loss at Dayton (three seasons)

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• 119 tackles at Bowling Green (single season)

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• Colorado’s defense allowed 30.5 points and 425.7 yards per game in 2023

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These figures illustrate Lampron’s consistent productivity and the defensive challenges Colorado aims to address.

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Sanders highlighted Lampron’s work ethic, noting his love for practice and teammates.

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• “I'm so thankful that I approached him and everything worked out,” — Chris Marve, Colorado defensive coordinator

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• “A few days later, I was in Boulder,” — Chris Marve, Colorado defensive coordinator

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• “Being around greatness, it's definitely something younger athletes like me should chase,” — Chris Marve, Colorado defensive coordinator

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• “Sports are a big part of our family,” — Chris Marve, Colorado defensive coordinator

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• “It was fun watching those with the boys,” — Chris Marve, Colorado defensive coordinator

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• “It put things into perspective for a lot of us for what you could attain if you really lock in,” — Chris Marve, Colorado defensive coordinator

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