Colorado Buffaloes legend Chad Brown is raising eyebrows over the university’s sudden decision to retire the jersey numbers of current stars Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter — saying it feels rushed and even disrespectful to former icons.
In a candid interview with TMZ Sports, Brown, a former standout linebacker for the Buffaloes in the early ’90s, called the move “odd,” given the school’s long history of being selective about jersey retirements.
Only Four Numbers Retired Before This
Earlier this month, the University of Colorado announced that Sanders’ No. 2 and Hunter’s No. 12 would be officially retired in recognition of their impact on the team — despite both players still being on campus and part of the program.
That didn’t sit well with Brown, who said, “If we were a program which handed these things out all the time, I think myself and a lot of other former alumni would look at this through a very different lens.”
He emphasized that the school has historically been “incredibly conservative” with jersey retirements — only four numbers have ever been retired before this announcement. Now, to see two numbers honored so quickly, and for players who haven’t even graduated yet, feels like a break from tradition.
Voicing the Concerns of Other Alumni
Brown, who played at Colorado from 1989 to 1993 before enjoying a successful NFL career, said he’s not the only one questioning the move.
“I’ve spoken to over a dozen former Buffaloes,” he said, “and most feel the same way that I do.”
While he acknowledges both Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter are remarkable talents, he believes others should have been considered first — including former teammate and 1992 Thorpe Award winner Deon Figures, who also wore No. 2.
“Honor Deon Figures First”
“For another No. 2 to get in before him,” Brown added, “I’m not saying that Shedeur is not deserving or worthy of that kind of conversation — but if I’m going to honor a No. 2, it’d be Deon Figures first.”
Deion Sanders Defends the Decision
The backlash was loud enough that head coach Deion Sanders — father of Shedeur — addressed the criticism publicly on Thursday. He fired back at the negativity, defending his son and Hunter as worthy of the recognition, and accusing critics of being stuck in the past or jealous of the new era.
The Ceremony Goes On
Despite the controversy, the school is going forward with its plan. The official jersey retirement ceremony will take place Saturday, just before Colorado’s spring football game — likely drawing a packed crowd and plenty of media attention.
The Bigger Picture: A Shift in Tradition
The decision reflects a new chapter in Colorado football under Deion Sanders’ leadership — one that embraces bold moves and flashy statements. But for veterans like Chad Brown, it’s also a reminder that tradition and legacy still matter deeply to those who helped build the program.
As the ceremony approaches, the debate continues: is Colorado honoring its future too quickly, at the cost of its past?
