The University of Colorado's recent decision to retire the jersey numbers of quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way sensation Travis Hunter has created a significant ripple in the college football world. While the contributions of these two young stars are undeniable, the timing of this honor—coming even before either has declared for the NFL—has raised eyebrows, especially given the program’s historically conservative approach to jersey retirements.
Deion Sanders denies pushing for Shedeur and Travis Hunter’s Colorado jersey retirement amid controversy
At the center of this controversy is Deion Sanders, Colorado's head coach and the father of Shedeur. During Thursday's press conference, Sanders addressed the backlash head-on. "Let’s get the elephant out of the room," he said. "I don't want to talk about this too long... If his last name wasn’t Sanders, we wouldn’t have this discussion."
Coach Sanders didn’t hold back, labeling the discourse as “personal” and suggesting that much of the uproar stems from his son’s identity rather than his achievements. "Sometimes we just have to get out of the way man, and just be thankful for our people. Love thy neighbors and thyself," he added.
There’s no denying that Shedeur Sanders has the resume to support jersey retirement in the long term. In just two seasons at Colorado, he threw for over 7,300 yards and 64 touchdowns, with an impressive 71.8% completion rate. Across his college career, he became one of the most efficient quarterbacks in NCAA history—amassing over 14,000 yards and setting a record with a touchdown pass in 49 consecutive games.
Likewise, Travis Hunter’s impact as a two-way star has earned him a rare place in modern college football. Their jersey retirement, scheduled for halftime during Saturday’s Black & Gold Day spring game at Folsom Field, will make them just the fifth and sixth players in CU history to receive the honor. But it’s not the accolades in question—it’s the haste.
Many former Buffaloes players and fans have expressed discomfort not with the decision itself, but with how quickly it was made. Chad Brown, a former CU linebacker, took to social media, writing, “Never want to take away from anything #2 or #12 have done. Amazing players. But to act as if CU FB was invented 3 years ago ignores the greatness in the past.” Brown further elaborated, pointing out that the timing diminishes the legacy of past legends from CU’s 1990 national championship team—none of whom have had their jerseys retired.
Darrin Chiaverini, another CU alum and former NFL player, echoed the sentiment. “Retiring numbers is a huge honor and something that should never be taken lightly,” he said, advocating for a cooling-off period similar to the NFL Hall of Fame process. “Legacy’s need time to be evaluated and proper steps should be taken so history is preserved properly.”
Indeed, the data backs their concern. Before this latest announcement, Colorado had retired only four jersey numbers in its 135-year football history. Even Rashaan Salaam’s No. 19 wasn’t retired until 2017—23 years after he won the Heisman and less than a year after his untimely death.
Coach Sanders, however, remains focused on the present. When asked about honoring the program's past, he said, “I’m not into that. I’m into coaching football right now.” While some view that stance as dismissive, Sanders emphasized his broader support for CU athletics, joking, “They call me Prime McEnroe, by the way.”
Still, critics like Brown insist it’s not about disrespect—it’s about balance. “While you are here, you’re responsible for connecting this generation to the greatness of the Buffaloes in the past,” he said. As CU continues its rise under Deion Sanders, that balance between present glory and past greatness will remain under the microscope.
The retirement ceremony will be broadcast during Saturday’s spring game on ESPN2, but for many, the conversation won’t end there. Whether viewed as premature or a well-deserved honor, this move has reignited dialogue about legacy, recognition, and how college programs should preserve their history while celebrating the now.
Also Read: “Pretty f*cked”: Joe Alwyn reflects on life post-Taylor Swift breakup and how he shut out the noise
Deion Sanders denies pushing for Shedeur and Travis Hunter’s Colorado jersey retirement amid controversy
At the center of this controversy is Deion Sanders, Colorado's head coach and the father of Shedeur. During Thursday's press conference, Sanders addressed the backlash head-on. "Let’s get the elephant out of the room," he said. "I don't want to talk about this too long... If his last name wasn’t Sanders, we wouldn’t have this discussion."
Coach Sanders didn’t hold back, labeling the discourse as “personal” and suggesting that much of the uproar stems from his son’s identity rather than his achievements. "Sometimes we just have to get out of the way man, and just be thankful for our people. Love thy neighbors and thyself," he added.
Powerful: Deion Sanders responds to the critics who say his son Shedeur doesn't deserve to have his jersey retired:
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 17, 2025
“If his last name weren’t Sanders, we wouldn’t have this discussion.”
Coach Prime is speaking facts. Leave Shedeur alone 👏 pic.twitter.com/X1EfrkKXyv
There’s no denying that Shedeur Sanders has the resume to support jersey retirement in the long term. In just two seasons at Colorado, he threw for over 7,300 yards and 64 touchdowns, with an impressive 71.8% completion rate. Across his college career, he became one of the most efficient quarterbacks in NCAA history—amassing over 14,000 yards and setting a record with a touchdown pass in 49 consecutive games.
Likewise, Travis Hunter’s impact as a two-way star has earned him a rare place in modern college football. Their jersey retirement, scheduled for halftime during Saturday’s Black & Gold Day spring game at Folsom Field, will make them just the fifth and sixth players in CU history to receive the honor. But it’s not the accolades in question—it’s the haste.
Many former Buffaloes players and fans have expressed discomfort not with the decision itself, but with how quickly it was made. Chad Brown, a former CU linebacker, took to social media, writing, “Never want to take away from anything #2 or #12 have done. Amazing players. But to act as if CU FB was invented 3 years ago ignores the greatness in the past.” Brown further elaborated, pointing out that the timing diminishes the legacy of past legends from CU’s 1990 national championship team—none of whom have had their jerseys retired.
Darrin Chiaverini, another CU alum and former NFL player, echoed the sentiment. “Retiring numbers is a huge honor and something that should never be taken lightly,” he said, advocating for a cooling-off period similar to the NFL Hall of Fame process. “Legacy’s need time to be evaluated and proper steps should be taken so history is preserved properly.”
Indeed, the data backs their concern. Before this latest announcement, Colorado had retired only four jersey numbers in its 135-year football history. Even Rashaan Salaam’s No. 19 wasn’t retired until 2017—23 years after he won the Heisman and less than a year after his untimely death.
No. 2 & No. 12 — Officially Untouchable. 🦬
— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) April 14, 2025
Witness Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter have their jersey numbers retired during the Spring Game on April 19th.
🎟️: https://t.co/H4xwlMeXQF pic.twitter.com/xRPe9kazzj
Coach Sanders, however, remains focused on the present. When asked about honoring the program's past, he said, “I’m not into that. I’m into coaching football right now.” While some view that stance as dismissive, Sanders emphasized his broader support for CU athletics, joking, “They call me Prime McEnroe, by the way.”
Still, critics like Brown insist it’s not about disrespect—it’s about balance. “While you are here, you’re responsible for connecting this generation to the greatness of the Buffaloes in the past,” he said. As CU continues its rise under Deion Sanders, that balance between present glory and past greatness will remain under the microscope.
The retirement ceremony will be broadcast during Saturday’s spring game on ESPN2, but for many, the conversation won’t end there. Whether viewed as premature or a well-deserved honor, this move has reignited dialogue about legacy, recognition, and how college programs should preserve their history while celebrating the now.
Also Read: “Pretty f*cked”: Joe Alwyn reflects on life post-Taylor Swift breakup and how he shut out the noise
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