Former Colorado sports legend expresses shock over Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter's jersey retirements: "Difficult to swallow"
In the midst of Colorado football history, Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders have stirred up a conversation that's leaving one ex-Buffaloes star feeling less than thrilled. After just two seasons with the team, these former players found themselves added to Colorado's roster of retired jersey numbers, before being drafted into the NFL (Jaguars and Browns, respectively).
Former Colorado quarterback Darian Hagan, who led the team to a national title in 1990, believes there should have been a waiting period for these players to receive such an honor. Hagan, a two-time All-Big Eight first-team member and 1989 College Football Player of the Year recipient, is bewildered by the fact that Hunter – the 2024 Heisman winner – and Sanders – who broke numerous school records – are being honored in such a way.
"We were always told there was a waiting period," Hagan stated to USA Today. "There was a policy in place. It had to be voted upon. I was never told that it was at the discretion of the athletic director or the head coach. That was shocking news to me. It was hard to stomach."
Hagan, who has not had his number retired by the school, feels taken aback by the news that Hunter and Sanders are being recognized in such a way. Earlier this month, former Colorado and NFL running back Phillip Lindsay echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the players who came before these two that have yet to receive the same tribute.
"These players that have pretty much led us and set a standard, they don't even have their jerseys retired," Lindsay told 104.3 The Fan. "You don't have Darian Hagan's jersey retired, who's No. 3. You don't have Eric Bieniemy's number retired, who's No. 1. You don't have Alfred Williams', 'Big Al,' jersey retired, and they won national championships. Why all of a sudden are we starting now? Why are we skipping them?"
In the lead-up to the NFL draft, head coach Deion Sanders, Shedeur's father, argued that the controversy surrounding the number retirements is due to his biological connection to the now-NFL quarterback.
"We talking about Shedeur, we ain't talking about nobody else," Deion stated, according to The Athletic. "The only reason we are having this discussion is because his last name is Sanders. That's it. It's been so many things accomplished at this university expeditiously. It's been unbelievable.
"And I think we should be appreciative. It's a new day, we're doing things a little different."
As the university rethinks and reconsiders its jersey retirement policy, some are left questioning the process and shining a light on the players who have paved the way for its success in the past. What do you think? Chime in with your thoughts.
Darian Hagan, despite not having his number retired by the school, finds it puzzling that Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders have been honored in such a manner, especially since he was told there would be a waiting period for such recognition. Former Colorado and NFL running back Phillip Lindsay shares similar sentiments, noting the players who came before Hunter and Sanders, such as Hagan, Eric Bieniemy, and Alfred Williams, who have yet to receive the same tribute despite their significant contributions to the university's football program. Some question the university's jersey retirement policy, especially in light of the new day and different approach being taken, and wonder about the process and the players who have paved the way for the team's success in the past. What do you think about the university's jersey retirement policy and the honoring of Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders?
