Jimmy Horn Jr. is a rising star in college football, playing as a wide receiver for the Colorado Buffaloes. His impressive performance on the field has made headlines, helping his team to victories over TCU and Nebraska in the 2023 season.
He has also been praised by his coach, Deion Sanders, who calls him a “frickin’ warrior” and a “game-changer”. But who is Jimmy Horn Jr.’s father, and what is his story?
Who Is Jimmy Horn Jr.’s Father?
Horn Jr. grew up in Sanford, Florida with his father, Jimmy Horn Sr., who raised him as a single parent. Horn Sr. had once played football at Seminole High School and Bethune-Cookman University, but he didn’t make it to the NFL and instead worked as a truck driver and barber.
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Despite some legal troubles that landed him in prison, Horn Sr. was determined to provide his son with a better life and opportunities to attend college. He was a strict yet supportive father who taught his son the importance of hard work, discipline, and perseverance. Horn Jr. developed a passion for football, which became his escape from the challenges of growing up in a rough neighborhood.
Horn Jr. is not related to former NFL wide receiver Joe Horn despite having the same surname.
Following his father’s footsteps and playing football at Seminole High School, he was a standout receiver and returner. He also excelled academically, earning a 3.8 GPA and graduating with honors. Horn Jr. received several scholarship offers from different colleges but chose to join the Buffaloes, where coach Sanders recruited him.
Horn Jr. has been thriving at Colorado, where he has become one of the top receivers in the nation. He has also formed a strong bond with Sanders, who he considers a father figure. Coach Sanders has mentored Horn Jr. on and off the field, helping him develop his skills and confidence.
He’s been in touch with his father, who is still incarcerated and unable to watch him play. However, Horn Sr. is very proud of his son’s achievements and supports him from afar. He even spoke with coach Sanders after the Buffaloes’ win over TCU, where he thanked him for caring for his son.
Horn Jr. is a slot receiver prospect for the 2024 NFL Draft. He’s only a junior, and at 5’10”, 170 pounds, is considered a late-round possible draft pick. His career high in production came at USF in 2022, where he caught 37 passes for 551 yards and three touchdowns.
