Deion Sanders Responds to Backlash Over Colorado’s Decision to Retire Son’s Jersey – ryan

Deion Sanders has responded to the criticism over his son, Shedeur, having his jersey retired by the University of Colorado Buffaloes.

Deion, 57, addressed the backlash, calling it a “sore subject” while speaking with reporters on Thursday, April 17, according to ESPN and USA Today. “Let’s get the elephant out the room,” the Buffaloes head coach began, telling media he didn’t want to talk about the subject for “too long” before he wants to “let it go.”

“If his last name wasn’t Sanders, we wouldn’t have this discussion,” Sanders said. “Only reason we’re having this discussion is his last name is Sanders. That’s it.”

The Buffaloes announced that Shedeur, 23, would have his jersey retired alongside Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter before Colorado’s spring game, making them just the fifth and sixth players in the team’s history to have their jersey retired, per ESPN. It would also be the soonest the Buffaloes have ever retired a player’s jersey, according to USA Today.

Deion concluded his comments on Thursday by saying Shedeur and Hunter, 21, are “thinking about the draft” currently. “We’re thankful that Buff Nation has been gracious,” he continued.

Many users on social media said they felt Shedeur was receiving the honor so soon because of his father’s celebrity status, and even some former university players publicly called the decision into question.

Chad Brown, former linebacker at Colorado, said in a post on X“Never want to take away from anything #2 or #12 have done. Amazing players. But to act as if CU FB was invented 3 years ago ignores the greatness in the past & the players that produced that greatness.”

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Northeastern state head coach Darrin Chiaverini, who also played for the Buffaloes before being drafted, said“Retiring numbers is a huge honor and something that should never be taken lightly. I believe strongly that there should be a cooling off period, the same as with the Hall of Fame in the NFL, so decisions are not made out of emotion.”

“The excitement and the notoriety that Shedeur and Travis have brought to the University of Colorado is unquestioned,” he continued.

Chiaverini added, “Congratulations to Shedeur and Travis. No doubt they are etched in Colorado Football lore but let’s make sure we honor those that came before.”

In a statement to ESPN, Buffaloes athletic director Rick George said Hunter and Shedeur are “both great Buffs and exceptional talents who have been tremendous representatives of our program.”

George said “recognizing the accomplishments” of Shedeur and Hunter “does not detract from accomplishments of the past,” adding, “it adds to the rich legacy of CU football.”