Brett Favre opens up about Deion Sanders’ secret $5 deal that helped shape his legendary career

On Monday, November 7, 2025, NFL legend Brett Favre shared a funny and heartfelt story from his rookie year with the Atlanta Falcons in 1991. Speaking on his “4th and Favre” podcast, the Hall of Fame quarterback revealed that Deion Sanders used to pay him $5 for every pass he could complete against him in practice. Favre said Sanders took him under his wing, pushed him to improve, and showed a side of himself that most fans never get to see.

Brett Favre says Deion Sanders paid him $5 per pass to help him improve during Atlanta Falcons rookie days

Brett Favre recalled that the offer came during one of his first training camp days with the Atlanta Falcons. “He told me, ‘I’ll give you five bucks for every pass you can complete on me,’” Favre said. 

The rookie quarterback quickly realized that Deion Sanders wasn’t joking; he truly wanted to help him get better. “He wanted my best. He wanted me to compete,” Favre added.

At that time, Favre was a 21-year-old backup quarterback still trying to earn his spot, while Sanders was already one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks. 

Here’s Episode 2 of @4thFavre where I talk about my buddy @DeionSanders offering me $5 to complete a pass on him, college football coaching carousel, NFL MVP frontrunners + more.https://t.co/N7esEEp6SD

— Brett Favre (@BrettFavre) November 3, 2025

Favre said Sanders took him under his wing even though he didn’t have to. “Why? I don’t know, but he did,” Favre said. 

He laughed while admitting that by the end of the season, he probably owed Sanders money since completing passes on him was almost impossible.

The two only played together for one year, as the Falcons traded Favre to the Green Bay Packers in February 1992. That trade changed everything for Favre. 

He went on to spend 16 seasons with Green Bay, where he became one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, winning Super Bowl XXXI in 1997. Favre later played for the New York Jets and the Minnesota Vikings before retiring after the 2010 season.

Deion Sanders’ lasting influence on and off the field

Deion Sanders continued to mentor after his playing career ended. Following two Super Bowl victories, one with the San Francisco 49ers in 1995 and another with the Dallas Cowboys in 1996, he switched to coaching. 

Sanders inspires youngsters with his leadership and enthusiasm as he approaches his third season as the Colorado Buffaloes’ head coach. 

He taught Travis Hunter, who went on to win the Heisman Trophy, last year and aided Colorado to gain national attention. 

Even though the 2025 season presents hurdles, Sanders stays driven to guide his team to a bowl game. Favre’s story shows that long before “Coach Prime” became a college football star, he was already guiding others, one $5 pass at a time.