SAN ANTONIO — The University of Colorado has reportedly set a record regarding insurance coverage for their quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. Both athletes have decided to participate in the Alamo Bowl instead of skipping the game to prepare for the NFL draft.
Colorado has chosen not to disclose the specific coverage amount for each player, adhering to privacy regulations. However, both Coach Deion Sanders and athletic director Rick George have claimed it to be unprecedented in college football’s history. “We happen to have two players that are probably going to be the first two picks of the NFL draft,” Coach Sanders stated on Monday. “We all know who those two are, and they have received, I think, the highest number of coverage that has ever been covered in college football. It far exceeds anyone that has ever played this game of college football.”
Typically, college athletic programs maintain insurance policies for their players in case of injuries. However, Colorado enhanced disability coverage for its entire team participating in the Alamo Bowl. As head coach Sanders ensured that his son and the versatile standout Hunter received larger policies, both are projected to be among the top ten selections in the upcoming NFL draft. “It was his idea we should get disability insurance for our athletes for this game to ensure that they played, and if there was some kind of injury, they would be well taken care of,” George explained. “So, we worked together on that. We’re excited about it. We think it’s great that all our players are playing in the game. That’s what all bowl games should be like.”
Colorado, boasting a 9-3 record (ranked 23rd in the CFP), will be up against the 17th-ranked BYU Cougars (10-2, ranked 17th in the CFP) on Saturday. As many teams are facing challenges with starting players opting out of bowl games to either enter the transfer portal or prepare for the NFL draft, the Buffaloes have not lost any player from their two-deep roster.
“It’s more than what I got (when he played at Kansas State),” noted Colorado linebackers coach Andre’ Hart. “They gave us a helmet and said pop this on your leg and get out there and play. For them to get that (increased insurance coverage), I just think it’s beneficial. To talk about where the game is, where it’s going, and how leadership is taking care of the players, I thought that’s excellent.”
This season, Shedeur Sanders has completed 337 of 454 passing attempts, accumulating 3,926 yards and tossing 35 touchdowns, making him a top-rated quarterback for this year’s draft class. Meanwhile, Hunter, a two-way player excelling as both a cornerback and wide receiver, received the Heisman Trophy. He achieved 92 receptions for 1,152 yards along with 14 touchdowns and intercepted four passes while breaking up 11 other throws, limiting opponents to only 22 completions on 688 defensive snaps.
“It really means a lot to have every teammate up here,” said Colorado running back Micah Welch. “That’s a big thing. What I like about Coach Prime is they’re taking care of us.”
