Deion Sanders on Thursday addressed critics of Colorado’s decision to retire the jersey numbers of Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter.
Sanders and Hunter are set to be the fifth and sixth players in Colorado history to have their jerseys retired, a decision that did not sit well with fans and even some former players.
On Thursday, Sanders addressed the controversy, focusing particularly on the decision to retire Shedeur’s number. The coach said it was the first time he had ever seen anyone “sore” about a jersey retirement ceremony, and suggested Shedeur was dragged into the controversy because of his last name.
“We’re talking about Shedeur. We ain’t talking about nobody else,” Deion Sanders said, via Pat Graham of The Associated Press. “If his last name wasn’t Sanders, we wouldn’t have this discussion.”
Sanders’ explanation does not really hold up. A number of former Colorado players have voiced their objection to the decision on account of the timing.
Chad Brown, a linebacker on the team’s 1990 national championship team, was bothered that Sanders and Hunter were honored immediately while many of his teammates are still waiting to receive the same recognition.
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
Many fans also pointed out that Colorado experienced relatively modest success with Sanders and Hunter playing. Hunter won a Heisman Trophy, but the Buffaloes went just 13-12 during their two seasons together.
Sanders obviously will not be going back on the decision. He has staunchly defended his players and is not one to change his stance on things in the face of critics. His response is unlikely to placate any unhappy alumni, though.
