This weekend, the University of Colorado is set to honor two standout football players, Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, by retiring their jersey numbers, 2 and 12, respectively. This significant event comes just days before both athletes are projected to be top contenders in the upcoming NFL Draft.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions among former athletes of the university. Chad Brown, a former star at Colorado, expressed his thoughts about the decision. He pointed out the wide range of opinions surrounding the retirement of Sanders and Hunter’s numbers, suggesting that many see this as a polarizing issue.
In an interview, Brown commented on the divisive nature of the conversation. He shared, “Everything’s black or white — either I am a jealous, old hater who needs to cry in my old man tears, or I’m exactly right in ‘I can’t believe Coach Prime would do this.'” However, he believes the reality is more nuanced. He emphasized that while both Sanders and Hunter have had exceptional careers, their recognition should not overshadow the achievements of previous players in the program.
Brown mentioned that it’s important to remember the rich history of the Colorado football program, especially considering the team’s past success, including a national championship when he was part of the team. He acknowledged that while Hunter deserves commendation for his exceptional performance, it should not come at the expense of recognizing the accomplishments of older alumni.
He stated, “Two things can be true at once. These guys deserve their flowers, but guys in the past also deserve those.” Brown firmly believes that there are many other former players who have equally significant contributions to the program and that those contributions should also be recognized when making such notable decisions.
Historically, the University of Colorado has been selective in retiring jersey numbers, with only four numbers previously honored. The most recent was Rashaan Salaam’s number 19 in 2017, with the first being Bobby Anderson’s number 11 retired back in 1970. Brown noted that this tradition of being conservative with number retirements adds to the weight of the current decision involving Sanders and Hunter.
“If we were a program which handed these things out all the time, I think myself and a lot of other former alumni would look at this through a very, very different lens,” he said. The fact that both players are still in college and have yet to graduate adds to the peculiarity of the situation for many alumni; it feels premature to bestow such honors while their careers are still unfolding.
Despite the mixed feelings, the accomplishments of both Sanders and Hunter cannot be ignored. Sanders, the starting quarterback, and Hunter, a two-way star player, have significantly revitalized the Colorado football program since transferring from Jackson State University, where they played under coach Deion Sanders, Shedeur’s father. Their impact was felt immediately, with the team showing considerable improvement during their second season.
Although the season started with challenges, the Buffaloes had moments of success that kept them in the conversation for the College Football Playoff until a setback against Kansas shifted their trajectory. The excitement around the team and the notable performances of both players have undoubtedly brought the spotlight back to the university’s football program.
Hunter won the prestigious Heisman Trophy, and the buzz surrounding both him and Shedeur is among the major talking points as the NFL Draft approaches. Many expect them to be selected as high as the second and third overall picks, which speaks volumes about their talent and potential in professional football.
As the weekend approaches, the retirement ceremony will serve as a moment of celebration for both players and a reflection on their contributions to Colorado football. While discussions about the decision continue, the achievements of Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter are undeniable, marking a new chapter in the history of the Buffaloes. The debate may linger among alumni and fans, but the honor bestowed upon these athletes is certainly a moment to remember in the university’s sports narrative.
