Colorado retiring Shedeur Sanders’ number despite his mediocre record doesn’t sit well with football fans

Football fans were left confused by the University of Colorado retiring Shedeur Sanders' jersey even though he only had a 13-11 record with the program and never played postseason football, just one bowl game.

Colorado retiring Shedeur Sanders’ number despite his mediocre record doesn’t sit well with football fans

Shedeur Sanders (Image via IMAGO)

The University of Colorado decided to honor its two-star football players, Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, before the NFL draft in Green Bay. Both Shedeur’s and Hunter’s jersey numbers were retired during the 2025 spring game.

Last week, the Colorado school announced that they were going to retire Sanders’ and Hunter’s numbers for their contributions. In two years, the program went from butting heads with the bottom feeders to an institute where five-star talents flocked for a trial on a regular basis.

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Sanders threw 600+ completions for 7000+ passing yards, 64 passing touchdowns, and 13 picks in his two seasons with the Buffaloes. Meanwhile, Hunter accumulated 43 combined tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, 7 interceptions, and 16 pass deflections in defense alongside 1800+ receiving yards from 140+ receptions and 19 touchdowns in his two campaigns with the Buffs.

The Buffaloes received their first proper AP and CFP ranks after an eight-year gap (full season). They finished as the 25th-best school in the nation with a 9-4 record after losing the Alamo Bowl to BYU in the postseason.

Football fans are divided on Colorado retiring Shedeur Sanders’ numbers

The University of Colorado football had only ever retired four numbers in its 123 years prior to retiring Shedeur and Hunter’s numbers: Byron “Whizzer” White, Rashaan Salaam, Joe Romig, and Bobby Anderson. UC brought back those numbers due to popular demand.

Colorado retiring Shedeur Sanders' number despite his mediocre record doesn't sit well with football fans
Shedeur Sanders (Image via IMAGO)

Shedeur Sanders ended his Colorado career with a 13-12 record and a bowl loss. Fans believe the 23-year-old didn’t achieve anything significant for the school to retire his number.

White was considered one of the best halfbacks of his generation. He was a consensus All-American before the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted him fifth overall, and he was twice the NFL’s rushing yards leader. After retirement, White attended law school and was later appointed Associate Chief Justice of the United States in 1962.

Romig played both as a guard and a linebacker. He was a two-time Consensus All-American and later achieved a doctorate in astrophysics from the University of Colorado.

Anderson, a halfback, was a consensus All-American and twice a First Team All-Big Eight before playing for the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, and Washington Redskins (Commanders).

Salaam is arguably the biggest name in Colorado history. He was the first and only Heisman Trophy winner of the program before Hunter won because of his 2024 season. Salaam was drafted 21st overall and played for the Chicago Bears, Oakland Raiders (now Las Vegas), Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, and San Francisco 49ers in the NFL.

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