Colorado State head coach Dion Sanders responded to criticism Thursday of the program’s decision to retire the numbers of Chedur Sanders and Travis Hunter.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame spoke to the elephant in the room at a press conference ahead of the Buffaloes’ spring game this weekend, telling reporters that he believes that part of the negative reaction has something to do with the fact that Chedur is his son.
“We’re talking about Chedur, we’re not talking about anyone else,” Dion said. Athletics. “The only reason we’re having this argument is because his last name is Sanders. That’s it. It’s done so many things quickly at this university. It’s incredible. And I think we should be grateful. I think it’s a new day.
The school announced Monday that Chedur Sanders and Hunter would retire their respective numbers on Saturday at a ceremony at Folsom Field during a spring game.
The decision sparked a rapid response from graduates of the soccer program. They expressed disappointment and concern that Colorado is jumping other players who deserved honor to retire from Chedur’s 2nd and Hunter’s 12th.
Among former members of the football program, by expressing their opinions on Jersey’s retirement, the list includes Joel Kratt, Philip Lindsay and Darrin Chiavellini.
Both players have strong cases for honor after playing just two seasons with Boulder.
Hunter won the Heisman Trophy in his 2024 campaign as a two-way player, and lined up as a wide range of receivers and cornerbacks.
Shedeur was awarded the country’s top college football QB, breaking records that went through many programs and winning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
Both players are scheduled to appear in the top 10 of the NFL Draft next week.
Hunter and Chedur are believed to have helped the programme rise in profiles, and the team finished this past season 9-4 and were able to qualify for the Bowl for the first time since 2016.
The Colorado coach hinted at reporters that he felt a sense of disappointment at the response to Numbers’ retirement, describing the roots as “personal” and urged everyone to “be grateful to our people.”
He also insisted that Chedur didn’t mind blowing the blowback.
“Let’s straighten this. He’s Sanders. He doesn’t care. Travis won’t. I won’t either,” Sanders said. “These people think about drafts and think about where they will spend their careers. But we are grateful that Buff Nation is graceful. They are amazing.”
