Living in the shadow of a personality like Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders isn't exactly a quiet experience. For Carolyn Chambers, being the first woman to say "I do" to the NFL and MLB legend meant her personal life became public property back in the late '80s. But it’s been decades since they split. Naturally, people are curious. You’ve probably seen her supporting her kids, Deiondra and Deion Jr., on social media and wondered: Who is Carolyn Chambers married to now?
The short answer? Honestly, it depends on who you ask and how deep you dig into her private life versus her public "Sanders" persona.
The Erick Strickland Chapter
After her high-profile divorce from Deion Sanders was finalized in 1998, Carolyn didn't stay single forever. She eventually married Erick Strickland. If that name sounds familiar, it's because he’s a former NBA player who spent time with the Dallas Mavericks, among other teams.
They seemed like a solid match—two people who understood the pressures of the professional sports world. During their marriage, Carolyn was often referred to as Carolyn Chambers-Strickland. However, unlike her time with Deion, this relationship was kept significantly more under wraps. They didn't have children together, though Erick became a stepfather to Deiondra and Deion Jr.
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While many online databases still list them as married, there has been a lot of quiet speculation about their current status. Carolyn has transitioned back to using the name Carolyne Chambers Sanders or just Carolyne Chambers professionally in her real estate and notary business.
Is She Single or Remarried in 2026?
Here is where things get a bit "sorta" complicated. In the world of celebrity ex-spouses, privacy is a luxury. As of early 2026, Carolyn has not publicly introduced a new husband or spouse to her followers. If you scroll through her Instagram, you’ll see a woman deeply devoted to her faith, her burgeoning real estate career in Texas, and her grandchildren.
She’s basically a powerhouse on her own now.
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There was a bit of confusion recently when an obituary for a "William Clay Nichols" mentioned a wife named Carolyn Lee Nichols, but that is a different person entirely. Our Carolyn is very much focused on the "Sanders" legacy she helped build. In fact, she’s one of the rare ex-wives who maintains a genuinely supportive relationship with her former husband. When Deion underwent surgeries for blood clots recently, or when he made the big move to coach the Colorado Buffaloes, Carolyn was right there on social media, posting "Rhema words" and encouragement.
Life as a "Powerhouse" Real Estate Broker
Honestly, Carolyn doesn't seem to need a high-profile marriage to stay relevant. She’s built a massive career as a real estate broker and notary signing agent. She often posts about her "Sunday Blessings" and her work ethic.
- Professional focus: She operates heavily in the Texas market.
- Media presence: She has over 22,000 followers who look to her for spiritual motivation.
- Family first: She recently celebrated becoming a grandmother through her daughter, Deiondra.
It’s clear she’s moved past the "athlete’s wife" label. Whether she is currently in a private relationship or enjoying the single life while she builds her empire, she hasn't made a public announcement about a new husband lately. She seems more focused on being the "OG" of the Sanders clan, a title her son Deion Jr. frequently uses when commenting on her posts.
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Why People Still Search for Her
The fascination with who Carolyn is married to now likely stems from the "Coach Prime" effect. Everything Deion does is big. When he started dating Karrueche Tran, the internet immediately looked to Carolyn to see her reaction. Surprisingly, she was nothing but supportive. She’s reached a level of maturity where she doesn't seem bothered by the tabloid side of things.
She is a woman who has survived a "messy" divorce that reportedly hit Deion so hard he struggled with his mental health at the time. To see them now, co-parenting and cheering each other on, is kinda refreshing.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're trying to keep up with Carolyn's life without falling for clickbait, here’s what you should do:
- Follow her official channels: Her Instagram (@carolynecsandersrealtor) is the only place where she shares actual updates about her life and family.
- Ignore the "Strickland" tag: Unless she starts using it again, it’s safer to assume she is operating as an independent professional.
- Check the "Sanders" news: Because she is so integrated with her children's lives, major family milestones (like Deiondra’s new baby) are usually where she makes her biggest public appearances.
Basically, Carolyn Chambers is currently thriving as a business mogul and matriarch. Whether there's a husband in the picture or not, she’s clearly the lead character in her own story now.