Deion Sanders’ Bold Move: Retiring Jerseys of Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders Sparks Debate
BOULDER, Colo. — In the world of college football, few things stir up as much passion and debate as the retirement of a jersey number. This week, the Colorado Buffaloes found themselves at the center of such a discussion, thanks to a decision that has both excited and ruffled the feathers of fans and alumni alike. The announcement that Colorado‘s dynamic duo, Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, would have their jersey numbers retired this weekend has sparked a lively conversation about tradition, timing, and legacy.
Deion Sanders, the charismatic head coach of the Buffaloes, has a simple solution for any hard feelings: hugs and handshakes for all. “Can we start off with me just shaking everyone’s hand that played here before, just give them a hug?” Sanders suggested after practice on Thursday, as the team prepared for their spring game on Saturday. “They’ve got to come back for that, right? Let’s start with that. … That’s what I want to do.”
The decision to retire Hunter’s No. 12 and Sanders’ No. 2 has certainly stirred the pot. These two players are only the fifth and sixth in Colorado’s 135-year history to receive such an honor. For some, the timing seems premature, given that their careers have just concluded. There are also numerous big names in Buffaloes lore that remain in line, including members of the 1990 national championship squad.
Chad Brown, a Buffaloes Hall of Fame linebacker, expressed his concerns on social media, 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. I would never minimize the impact of #2 or #12, they are amazing players. But this timing is poor.”
The decision to retire numbers is based on the discretion of the Colorado athletic administration and the current head coach. Athletic director Rick George, who was the assistant athletic director for football operations when the program won its only national title, defended the decision. “Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders are both great Buffs and exceptional talents who have been tremendous representatives of our program and of our university and led our team back to national prominence,” George said. “Recognizing the accomplishments of a Heisman Trophy winner and record-setting quarterback who ushered in this new era of CU football now does not detract from accomplishments of the past. Rather, it adds to the rich legacy of CU football that has been passed down over the years by everyone who has worn a CU uniform.”
Hunter, who played both wide receiver and cornerback, is coming off a Heisman Trophy campaign. Sanders broke many of the program’s passing records and won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, which is handed to college football’s top QB. Both are expected to be high selections at the NFL draft on April 24.
Deion Sanders was quick to defend his son’s inclusion in the jersey retirement. “We’re talking about Shedeur. We ain’t talking about nobody else,” the coach and father said. “If his last name wasn’t Sanders, we wouldn’t have this discussion.”
Tyler Polumbus, a standout offensive lineman for the Buffaloes, also weighed in on social media: “The vitriol from former players regarding CU retiring #2 is loud. I think most (including myself) believe he deserves the honor… eventually… Bypassing the line, bypassing #2 Deon Figures doesn’t make sense. Soo many all time greats that deserve the honor and have waited their turn. Why so fast? Zero waiting period? Feels like the first blunder of the Coach Prime era that has upset alumni.”
Despite the controversy, Sanders emphasized that his son and Hunter are focused on the future. “These guys are thinking about the draft, man,” Deion Sanders said. “We’re thankful that Buff Nation has been gracious. They’ve been wonderful. I feel like we have the best fan base ever — ever, especially over the last two years. I can’t comment before because I wasn’t here.”
Hunter and Shedeur Sanders join the company of quarterback/halfback Byron White (No. 24), guard/linebacker Joe Romig (No. 67), quarterback/tailback Bobby Anderson (No. 11), and the late tailback Rashaan Salaam (No. 19).
Deion Sanders, who has been part of several jersey retirement ceremonies throughout his playing days, noted that this is the first time he’s seen such a decision become a sore subject. “This is the first time I ever seen it sore,” he said. “I don’t know if you know it, but I think every jersey I darn near played in is retired. So I’m pretty familiar with this. It’s never been sore.”
- Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders are the fifth and sixth players in Colorado’s history to have their jerseys retired.
- Hunter is coming off a Heisman Trophy campaign, while Sanders broke many of the program’s passing records.
- Both players are expected to be high selections at the NFL draft on April 24.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
