

The spring game at Folsom Field wasn’t just about warm-ups and crowd energy this past Saturday-it was a moment for the Colorado Buffaloes to celebrate their biggest star in recent memory. As fans packed the stadium,Shedeur Sanders stood on the field, watching his No. 2 jersey go up in program history. Officially retired. Permanently honored.
To many, it was a fitting tribute to the quarterback who brought prime-time buzz to Boulder under the watch of his father, head coach Deion Sanders. But to others, the gesture felt premature-and even political.
Shedeur Sanders’ jersey was emotionally retired by Colorado as his new single played
One of the loudest voices of dissent came from veteran sports commentator Jason Whitlock. Speaking on his show Fearless, Whitlock criticized the university’s decision and didn’t hold back. “Rashaan Salaam won a Heisman and had to wait 23 years,” Whitlock said.“But Shedeur, with a 13-12 record, gets enshrined within months.”
Then he went further.
“He’s like the George Floyd of college football,”Whitlock said, comparing Sanders’ rapid praise to what he called “unearned memorials and tributes.” The comment has since gone viral-and sparked a firestorm of backlash.
The Floyd comparison, referencing the Black man whose murder by a police officer in 2020 ignited global protests, struck many as deeply inappropriate. Civil rights lawyer Ben Crump and several former players condemned the analogy, calling it insensitive and divisive.
Sanders still draws NFL buzz despite controversy
Despite the noise off the field, Shedeur’s résumé continues to draw attention from NFL scouts. In just two seasons with Colorado, he threw for over 7,300 yards, 64 touchdowns, and added eight more scores on the ground. He took home the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.
While the Buffs struggled down the stretch last season-finishing 1-8 against Top 25 teams-Sanders’ individual play has analysts projecting him as a top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. ESPN’s Todd McShay recently linked him to the Giants and Saints, while the Browns and Steelers are reportedly watching closely.
Whitlock, who previously called Sanders “Dak Prescott with Deion as daddy,” has long been skeptical of the hype around the young quarterback. But CU’s decision to retire No. 2 has elevated the conversation to a national debate about legacy, merit, and media influence.
Whether you agree with the retirement or not, Shedeur Sanders has already left a mark-and not just in the rafters of Folsom Field.
This news was originally published on this post .
Be the first to leave a comment