BOULDER, Colo. — Deion Sanders, the head coach at Colorado, is a firm believer in honoring people in the present rather than waiting for tributes and accolades. Following the spring game on Saturday, Sanders expressed his viewpoint: “Give people their flowers while they can enjoy them and they can smell them.” This philosophy was evident as the jerseys of his son, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter were retired before the event. Sanders wished similar timely recognition had been afforded to the late Rashaan Salaam, whose jersey retirement occurred posthumously. Moreover, he expressed regret that a statue to commemorate the late coach Bill McCartney, which was under development for two years, wasn’t completed in his lifetime. McCartney passed away in January.
“Why are we waiting?” Sanders questioned, pondering why McCartney couldn’t be involved in the unveiling. Sanders plans to pay tribute to McCartney next fall by emulating the hat and jacket worn by the legendary coach. “Everything we get is right now,” Sanders stated, emphasizing the current generation’s impatience and need for instant results, often fulfilled in real-time through the likes of online services.
Sanders shared his disappointment over the delayed recognition of Salaam, whose No. 19 was retired in 2017, shortly after his death. Salaam was the final player to have his jersey retired before the ceremony for Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, marking only six such occasions in the 135-year history of Colorado football. “With Rashaan, how long did we wait?” Sanders asked, acknowledging his connection to Colorado University. He noted it took about 23 years following Salaam’s 1994 Heisman victory, despite the jersey being retired soon after Salaam’s death.
Sanders appreciated the efforts of athletic director Rick George, who ensured the jersey retirement for his son and Hunter, was expedited. This timely recognition meant both players could witness their legacy being cemented on the stadium’s east wall. Both are anticipated to be significant picks in the upcoming NFL draft. Sanders stated, “I’m not going to really wait, so I give you your flowers now,” addressing the critiques surrounding the retirement of No. 2 for Shedeur and No. 12 for Hunter so soon in their careers. “I’m not going to wait 20 years down the street then bring you back when you’re limping and can barely walk or some tragedy happens to recognize your greatness and what you contributed to this program,” added Sanders.
“We’re a now generation. You guys are now people, and this is a now time. Those guys deserve what they deserve right now,” he concluded.