Former Colorado Football Legends Criticize Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter's Jersey Retirements
Former Buffaloes football players launched an attack against the decision by the University of Colorado to retire Shedeur Sanders' jersey number 2 and Travis Hunter's jersey number 12. The April 19, 2025 announcement of jersey retirements for Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter during this spring game has drawn criticism from multiple former Buffaloes who consider it premature and hasty.Colorado football history now has five and six retired jersey numbers representing Shedeur Sanders (No. 2) and Travis Hunter (No. 12). Under head coach Deion Sanders the athletes led the program toward a renaissance while Deion acted as the head coach and Shedeur was a star player. Both Travis Hunter received the 2024 Heisman Trophy while Shedeur Sanders established multiple school passing records in addition to winning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
Seasoned players criticize the manner in which the number retirements were handled because they omitted traditional rituals. Darian Hagan who played as quarterback for Colorado during his college years voiced complete shock about the announcement. According to him traditional jersey retirement protocols included a temporary waiting period followed by formal voting processes which were not present in this particular situation.
Michael Jones objected to Colorado's number retirements by saying "asinine" decisions lack proper procedures for such an academic establishment. Head coach Deion Sanders defended the jersey retirement by blaming the reaction on the fact that his son was involved. The head coach validated both athlete's importance to the team's rebirth while giving them the recognition they deserved. Athletic Director Rick George officially supported the retirement of Jordan Singleton and Anthony Jackson because of their substantial contributions bringing national fame back to Colorado football.