Deion Sanders creates controversy by retiring numbers before players leave campus
- Deion Sanders announced that Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter would have their jersey numbers retired before the spring game.
- Former players, especially Chad Brown, criticized the decision, arguing that past players deserved the honor first.
- The situation has sparked discussions about the criteria and protocol for jersey retirements in college football.
In a bold move, Deion Sanders, coach of the University of Colorado football team, announced that Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter would have their jersey numbers, 2 and 12 respectively, retired. This decision was made just days before the spring game, sparking considerable debate among former players and alumni. Only five players in the history of Colorado football have been honored in this way, and many observers believed that it was premature to honor current players, particularly when there are numerous past athletes who have not yet received this accolade. Chad Brown, a former Colorado football star, publicly criticized the decision, stating it was odd to retire the numbers of active players who have yet to graduate. He highlighted that while both athletes deserve recognition for their contributions to the program, there were players from previous eras who have waited significantly longer for similar honors. He mentioned the historical context of the Colorado football program, referencing the national championship team of 1990 and other legendary figures who have yet to have their jerseys retired, creating a sense of unfairness and inconsistency in the honor's criteria. Deion Sanders defended his decision, allowing for the notion that both players would likely be top draft picks soon. He expressed a desire to acknowledge their impact on the program and the legacy they are building at Colorado. The timing of the announcement raised eyebrows, as the players are still actively involved with the team, and there has been no established protocol for retiring numbers. This led to concerns about undermining the significance of such an honor. Overall, the jersey retirements amplified the conversation around the history and legacy of Colorado football, contrasting the achievements of the current players with those of the past. As the Buffaloes prepare for their upcoming season, the scrutiny from alumni may cast a shadow on what should be a celebration of their achievements.