In a series of NFL recruiting staffs from CFB, Deion Sanders pulled an uno reverse. A Big one. The latest addition to his coaching staff at Colorado Buffs proves just that, as the Buffaloes are reportedly hiring former Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Domata Peko as their new D-line coach. The move, first reported by On3, replaces Damione Lewis, who recently departed for Miami. And while Peko’s resume boasts years of NFL experience, fans weren’t solely focused on his credentials. Instead, many found themselves asking: what does this mean for Warren Sapp?
Peko, a former Michigan State standout and 15-year NFL veteran, played the bulk of his career with the Bengals before wrapping up his playing days with the Broncos, Ravens, and Cardinals. With 616 career tackles and 47 tackles for loss to his name, the 40-year-old brings an undeniable wealth of experience to Boulder.
Not to mention, he already has ties to Colorado’s DC Robert Livingston, who was a scout quality control assistant and safeties coach with the Bengals when ex-#94 DT was on the team. Add in a recent assistant stint with the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, and it’s clear why Deion Sanders pulled the trigger on this hire.
Colorado is expected to hire former Bengals DT Domata Peko as its defensive line coach, a source tells @On3sports.
Pekato, who @mzenitz reported was being targeted by Colorado, was at practice on Tuesday. He spent 2024 as an assistant with the Cowboys.https://t.co/Piw8LxIDh6 pic.twitter.com/IWm7j8EBEL
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) February 19, 2025
But here’s where things get interesting. Peko’s arrival doesn’t just impact the Buffaloes’ defensive line; it raises questions about Hall of Famer Warren Sapp’s role. The legendary defensive tackle, who served as a senior quality control analyst last season, is already embedded in Colorado’s defensive staff. With another former NFL lineman now taking on a key coaching position, some fans are left wondering—what exactly is Sapp’s role moving forward?
Sapp is no ordinary analyst. He is a Super Bowl champion and one of three Hall of Famers on Coach Prime’s staff, along with Deion Sanders himself and newly hired running backs coach Marshall Faulk. But with Peko now stepping in as the lead voice for the defensive line, does Sapp still hold the same level of influence? Or is he destined to be a glorified assistant?
Perhaps the most intriguing subplot to Peko’s hire is his son, Joseph Peko, a three-star defensive lineman in the 2026 recruiting cycle. With offers from USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Miami, Peko’s addition could be an early chess move by Sanders to lure another talented young player to Boulder.
“Wait, Then What About Sapp?” coach Deion Sanders?
While Peko’s hire should have been the headline, it quickly became a subplot as fans fixated on what it meant for Warren Sapp. The comment section under On3’s Pete Nakos‘ post about the hire was flooded with confusion, and perhaps a little misplaced identity.
One of the most common reactions? People mistaking Peko for Sapp. Multiple fans commented, “I thought that was Sapp,” leading to an unexpected meme-worthy moment. Can’t blame them as the two share similar builds and both played defensive tackle in the NFL. Beyond the mix-up, fans also questioned Sapp’s status on the coaching staff. “What happened to Sapp?” one user bluntly asked, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding his role now that Peko is stepping in. Does he remain a mentor? Does he take on a reduced role? Or does he step aside altogether?
Another user echoed the confusion, writing, “That was Sapp,” as if still trying to process the reality of the situation. Meanwhile, one fan took a more direct approach, saying, “Sapp cool with being glorified GA?”—a reference to graduate assistants who typically play a minor role on coaching staffs. The insinuation? That Sapp, despite his legendary status, is being pushed into a lesser role.
The post Unexpected Concerns Loom for Warren Sapp as Fans Ponder Over Coach Prime’s Internet Breaking Domata Peko Hire appeared first on EssentiallySports.
