Really Proud of Deion Imade! I Can Only Hope His Years on the Sidelines Top Mine

STILLWATER – Oklahoma State University Athletics and the Oklahoma State Cowboys Network from Learfield announced officially on Thursday, April 16 that former Cowboys linebacker/safety and special teams captain Deion Imade will be the next sideline reporter on the Cowboys Network.

This is the news that I was hoping for when I retired from that position after 25 years at the end of the 2025 season. Over the course of the last decade plus, Imade, a fellow DFW product who was a standout at Rowlett High School has become like a much younger brother. He is very talented and I’ve watched his abilities as a football commentator grow immensely. He loves the game and I can truly appreciate that. 

I’ve worked with Deion on multiple high school broadcasts over the years. I also worked with him and with fellow pregame co-host and former quarterback Clint Chelf on the Cowboy Network. Our pregame segment of “Covering All Sides” is one of my favorite regular segments that I’ve ever been a part of. Three guys that love football, specifically Oklahoma State football, talking about the game and emotions that go into it. 

Deion cares about the players too. He saw me in postgame last season lose it and tear up talking with former walk on safety Parker Robertson over his electric and absolutely inspiring performance in the Kansas State loss last season. There was nothing on the line for a team that was struggling and Robertson gave every ounce of effort he had. Deion and I both saw it, we both truly appreciated what went into it.

I always wanted him to have that spot when I was done. I’m glad that others agreed. He will do it proud and likely put me in the dust as far as what I did in the role. We are talking about a very talented person with great work ethic and growing skills as a broadcaster.

Deion, kick butt out there. Make the memories that I have and will always carry with me, many of which you are a part of, and your life will be even more rich. That is what I wish for you as the next sideline reporter on the Cowboys Network!