Deion Sanders’ First Nike Sneaker Gets Brand New Colorway Inspired by His Rap Career
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It’s already been established that Deion Sanders’ first-ever Nike signature shoe, the Air Diamond Turf, will be rereleased in 2025, and now we’re getting an early look at a new colorway of the dual-sport star’s popular retro sneaker.
Originally released in 1993, the Air Diamond Turf kicked off Sanders’ signature cross-training line, which concluded in 1998 with the Air Diamond Turf 5 and was later revisited in 2015 with the Air Diamond Turf 6. Of the numerous models, the debut Air Diamond Turf remains one of Sanders’ most popular shoes. The mid-top design, which was worn on the NFL field by Sanders, featured a prominent mid-foot strap with a metallic mesh cutout as one of its defining features.
With the ’25 Air Diamond Turf lineup reportedly set to include the original “Atlanta Falcons” colorway as well as the black-and-purple “Baltimore Ravens” iteration, another look is joining the group. Previewed in a YouTube video by Sanders’ son, Deion Sanders Jr., the new colorway reportedly gets its inspiration from another one of Coach Prime’s professional pursuits in the ‘90s.
Said to be nicknamed after his song “Must Be the Money,” the new pair takes its theme from Sanders’ brief rap career. In December 1994, the athlete-artist released his “Prime Time” album which included the aforementioned single inspired by the 1980s Secret Weapon song “Must Be the Music.”
The “Must Be the Money” music video sees Sanders sport a variety of early ‘90s-styled suits, sunglasses and gold chains, but it’s not immediately clear which elements inspire the new Air Diamond Turf look. The colors used on the sneaker, which includes a white leather base, light blue accents and painted yellow edges, also resemble those used on the “Prime Time” album cover.
After decades away from the brand — he once vowed to “never” work with Nike again — Sanders was welcomed back in 2023, kicking off a campaign which included a number of retro sneakers and on-field cleats for his University of Colorado players.
Despite the early preview, the retail launch of the Nike Air Diamond Turf “Must Be the Money” is still a ways off. The pair is expected to be released during fall ’25 for a retail price of $130, but this story will be updated with any changes between now and then.
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