The noun primetime is defined as the regularly occurring period for which a television or radio audience is expected to be it’s largest, generally regarded in the television industry as the hours between 8 and 11 p.m. When Deion Sanders stepped his foot on the football field he electrified audiences during any hour he was on television playing the game he loved. Deion Sanders, also known as primetime, inducted the big chains, do-rag and the high stepping into the Pro football Hall of Fame.

There are very few athletes who lived up to the hype; primetime did not live up to the hype, he blew up the hype.

Deion joined tight end Shannon Sharpe, Rams and Colts running back Marshall Faulk, Chicago Bears Richard Dent, Washington Redskins linebacker Chris Hanburger, the late Les Richter and NFL films founder Ed Sabol in being inducted in the hall. The history of professional football cannot be written without Deion Sanders, arguably the greatest shut down corner who ever played.

(editor’s note: West Lamy’s essay continues after the jump)

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The man with two nicknames “Prime Time” and “Neon Deion” was a critical force in the 1990s NFL. No one could cover opposing receivers like he did. And yesterday was the culmination of the Pro Football Hall of Fame recognizing his achievements.

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