The University of Colorado’s decision to retire Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders’ jerseys has sparked a heated debate. While fans celebrated the moment, Colorado football legends expressed frustration over what they see as a disregard for the program’s foundational heroes. In the midst of it all, Sanders’ Instagram post has raised eyebrows.
Shedeur Sanders May Have Subtly Fired Back at a Colorado Legend
The Disrespect of History: A Legacy Betrayed@CUBuffsFootball @CUBuffs @RickGeorgeCU @BrianHowell33 pic.twitter.com/kGfSxjOpIs
— Michael Jones (@thedrmikejones) April 15, 2025
Michael Jones, a Hall of Fame inductee at Colorado, voiced his frustration publicly on Facebook. “What we are witnessing at Colorado is not just a decision, it’s a serious ERASURE of our football legacy,” he wrote. Jones called the jersey retirements “the most flagrant disrespect to the true legends who built CU football from the ground up.”
He highlighted legendary figures like Darian Hagan, Eric Bieniemy, Alfred Williams, and Kordell Stewart — icons whose historic contributions to the program have yet to be recognized with the same honor.
“Where is the honor for Darian Hagan? A man who led us to a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP and three consecutive Big Eight titles with a 20-0-1,” Jones said. “What about Eric Bieniemy? The man STILL holds our all-time rushing record.”
Jones’ frustration reflects a broader sentiment: that today’s accomplishments are being celebrated without due respect for the past. “The audacity to honor these newcomers before these Buffs… is not just wrong, it’s INJUSTICE masquerading as celebration,” he concluded.
If the players from the National Champ team have not received such an honor, by default, this action dismisses, diminishes & for a new generation of CU fans erases their greatness. I would never minimize the impact of #2 or #12, they are amazing players. But this timing is poor. https://t.co/jprVdO0lhZ
— Chad Brown (@chadbrown94) April 15, 2025
Former NFL linebacker Chad Brown echoed those concerns, stating, “If the players from the National Champ team have not received such an honor, by default, this action dismisses, diminishes & for a new generation of CU fans erases their greatness.”
He made it clear that while he respects Hunter and Sanders, he finds the timing inappropriate: “They are amazing players. But this timing is poor.”
Then came Sanders’ response, intentional or not. Shortly after the controversy, he posted a photo of himself holding his retired jersey with the caption: “Thank you @cubuffs family for the love and support it was Perfect Timing. #legendary.”
Given Brown’s earlier statement that “this timing is poor,” Sanders’ comment that it was “Perfect Timing” may come off as a subtle counter. Whether intentional or coincidental, the phrasing is hard to ignore, especially in the context of mounting criticism.
The controversy highlights a deeper tension within college football: honoring present achievements without alienating those who built the program’s legacy. Whether Sanders meant to take a jab or was simply expressing gratitude, his words have added another layer to a debate far from over.