'If His Last Name Wasn't Sanders…' – Deion Responds To Jersey Retirement Criticism

Deion Sanders addressed some discontent about Colorado’s upcoming jersey retirements.

Colorado announced Monday that they’re retiring Shedeur Sanders’ No. 2 and Travis Hunter’s No. 12 at Saturday’s spring game. The news has drawn some scrutiny, mainly regarding Shedeur, among critics who feel the honor is too soon or not warranted. 

Coach Prime was asked about the topic on Thursday. When a reporter began his question by saying retired jerseys can be a “sore subject,” Sanders said he’s never noticed controversy associated with anyone else.

“This is the first time I’ve 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.”

Sanders suggested critics just want another reason to disparage his son. 

“We talking about Shedeur. We ain’t talking about nobody else. If his last name wasn’t Sanders, we wouldn’t be having this discussion,” he said.

Coach Prime claimed neither he, Shedeur, nor Hunter is bothered by the discourse surrounding the jersey retirements.

“He don’t care. Let’s get this straight. He’s a Sanders. He don’t care,” Deion said. “Travis don’t either. I don’t either. I think it’s a beautiful day, blessed day. These guys are thinking about the draft, man.”

Critics have said the same thing as Deion Sanders in another way, arguing that Shedeur’s jersey is only getting retired because of his last name. Meanwhile, casting aside Hunter’s No. 12 has drawn less scrutiny since he won the Heisman Trophy in 2024.

In two seasons, Shedeur Sanders set a Colorado record with 64 career passing touchdowns. A program that won one game before the Sanders family arrived improved to 9-4 last season.

However, Colorado went 4-8 in 2023, and Shedeur ended his college career by throwing two picks in a lopsided Alamo Bowl loss to BYU. Some fans have wondered why the Buffaloes immediately retired the NFL prospect’s number despite never bestowing the same honor to Kordell Stewart and other school icons.

“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,” athletic director Rick George said. “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.”

Related: Colorado Sports Anchor ‘Absolutely Disagrees’ With Shedeur Sanders Jersey Retirement

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