Sanders’ historic attempt turns 34 today.

Deion Sanders played for the Falcons and Atlanta Braves in the same season.LAPRESSE

October 11, 1992, is a day etched in sports history, as the one and only Deion “Prime Time” Sanders accomplished what no other athlete had dared to do-play in two professional sports on the same day.

This unbelievable feat remains one of the most remarkable moments in sports, showcasing the incomparable talent and determination of Sanders, who played both an NFL game and an MLB playoff game within hours of each other.

While the Colorado Buffaloes head coach is widely known as one of the best cornerbacks in NFL history, with two Super Bowl rings and a Pro Football Hall of Fame jacket to his name, his baseball career also showcased his prowess as a dual-sport athlete.

Despite not being an MLB All-Star, Sanders was a dangerous speedster, always a threat on the basepaths. However, his most famous achievement came not from his skills on the field, but from his sheer will to excel at both football and baseball-on the same day.

Sanders’ heroic attempt

In the fall of 1992, Sanders was pulling double duty, playing for the Atlanta Braves in their playoff run and suiting up for the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL season. His journey to the iconic October 11 showdown started earlier that month, when Sanders found himself juggling two contracts, two sports, and a packed travel schedule.

His baseball deal didn’t allow postseason play due to NFL commitments, but Sanders struck a rare agreement with the Braves-he’d practice with the Falcons in the mornings and play baseball in the evenings.

On October 10, Sanders played for the Braves in Pittsburgh during the National League Championship Series (NLCS), then boarded a plane at midnight to fly to Miami. The next morning, he was back on the football field with the Falcons, receiving the opening kickoff against the Dolphins.

The unexpected end of the journey

After helping his team all afternoon, Sanders rushed back to the airport for a flight back to Pittsburgh, hoping to make the Braves’ evening playoff game.

But the day didn’t go perfectly. Though Sanders suited up in Pittsburgh, he didn’t play in the Braves’ game, and Atlanta lost to the Pirates. Still, Sanders’ attempt was nothing short of extraordinary.

Though the Braves’ general manager criticized the dual attempt, calling it a distraction, Sanders’ teammates and fans were awestruck. And while Sanders downplayed his accomplishment, saying, “I didn’t play two sports in one day, I suited up,” no one can deny the spectacle of his historic feat.