Deion Sanders responds to Kenan Thompson’s ‘SNL’ impression

There’s no better way to show the world that you’ve arrived as an integral part of the cultural zeitgeist than by appearing on NBC’s venerable sketch show Saturday Night Live.

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders knows better than most the importance of attention, which is probably why he liked the impression comedian Kenan Thompson gave of him in the show’s season premiere.

“I’m a fan of Kenan; let’s get this straight. I love him.” Sanders told reporters during his weekly press conference on Tuesday. “I love what he brought to comedy, which seems to have spanned a few decades. I had the pleasure and honor of hosting.” Saturday Night Live before, and I will never forget those moments. But it was good.”

During the performance, Thompson wore a Colorado hoodie, hat and sunglasses, similar to Sanders’ offseason attire. Thompson mocked Sanders’ bravery during the sketch, which aired on October 14, adding a new level to the comedy.

The Weekend Update segment with Colin Jost appeared one day after the Buffaloes’ 46-43 overtime loss to Stanford. Colorado went into the locker room with a 29-0 lead. The loss left the Buffaloes at 4-3 after starting the season 3-0.

“Wasn’t that crazy?” Thompson, playing the fictional Coach Prime, said: “Man, we were up 29 to zero at halftime, so I went home and fell asleep. I woke up this morning just as shocked as everyone else.”

Another funny moment was Thompson making fun of Prime’s quotes from the press conference.

“Colin, look at me, man. Why do you think I care what you think about me? You don’t understand my team has everything, man,” Thompson said while playing against Sanders. “Coaching? Genius. Offensive? Explosive. Defense? Attempt. It’s a complete package, man.”

Sanders took the jokes in stride, even after an embarrassing loss that threatened his team’s bowl hopes. However, when asked who left the best impression of him, Sanders didn’t choose Thompson.

“I have to give it to Lou Young,” Sanders said. “I hate to admit it, but Lou is good. Lou Young is really good.”

Colorado had a bye week after the loss to Stanford. This week the Buffaloes travel west for a game against No. 23 UCLA. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

The Bruins, led by head coach Chip Kelly, hold a 17-point lead over the Buffaloes, according to BetMGM odds as of Tuesday. The over/under is 63.5. Colorado is +575 on the money line and UCLA is -900. Coach Prime supporters can win $675 with a $100 bet if the Buffs pull off an upset win.