The Colorado Buffaloes announced that they will retire the jerseys of Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders at the Black and Gold Spring Game on Saturday. While there has not been much backlash regarding the former, there have been plenty of critics who have claimed that the latter is not deserving of the honor.
Sanders spent two seasons with the program, throwing for 7,364 yards, 64 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, completing an NCAA record 71.8% of his pass attempts while adding eight rushing touchdowns. While he also set several school records and thrived from an individual standpoint, the program was just 13-12 during his tenure – failing to win a bowl game during that span.
He did, however, help change the culture of the program, leading them to their most wins since 2016. Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders recently defended his son from the criticism surrounding the jersey retirement.
Deion Sanders Defends Shedeur Sanders From Criticism Over Jersey Retirement
Shedeur Sanders figures to hear his name called in the first round of next week’s 2025 NFL Draft. Prior to finding out where he will begin his professional career, the 2024 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year will get his college number retired. Deion Sanders recently fired back at the criticism surrounding the decision.
Speaking with the media on Thursday, the Pro and College Football Hall of Famer shared that this is the first time he has seen a jersey retirement turned into a sore subject before adding:
“If his last name wasn’t Sanders, we wouldn’t have this discussion. The only reason why we’re having this discussion is his last name is Sanders. That’s it. It’s been so many things accomplished at this university expeditiously. It’s been unbelievable. And I think we should be appreciative. We should be thankful.
We have a room full of wonderful people that covers us and I don’t know if you all were in this room two or three years ago. Some, I mean, very few. It’s a new day, we’re doing things a little different.”
Powerful: Deion Sanders responds to the critics who say his son Shedeur doesn’t deserve to have his jersey retired:
“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
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 17, 2025
Sanders added that his son does not care about the pushback, stating:
“He don’t care. Let’s get this straight. He’s a Sanders. Travis don’t either. I don’t either. I think it’s a beautiful day, blessed day. These guys are thinking about the draft. They’re thinking about where they’re going to spend their career.”
Sanders praised the Colorado fan base for their support, labeling them as the best in the nation. While it is hard to argue with the impact the younger Sanders had during his tenure with the program, the loudest criticism has been surrounding the timing of the move, particularly due to the fact that several other Buffaloes legends have yet to receive the honor.
