Deion Sanders explains retiring Travis Hunter, son Shedeur's jerseys so soon: 'We're a now generation'

Colorado wasted no time retiring Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter‘s jersey numbers. On Saturday, at Colorado’s annual spring game, the program officially retired Sanders’ No. 12 and Hunter’s No. 2.

While most fans were excited to see two of the program’s all-time greats have their legacies cemented, many people questioned why Colorado was retiring their jersey numbers so soon, unlike most teams that wait several years before bringing their legends back to honor them. On Saturday, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders addressed this very question.

“I saw them, and I looked in both their eyes. I know they were pleased, they were thankful and they were proud. And that means a lot to me,” Sanders said. “I’m one of those type of guys who I’m going to tell you how I feel right off the rip. You know? I’m not gonna really wait, so I give you your flowers now.

“I’m not gonna wait 20 years down the street, then bring you back when you’re limping, you can barely walk, or because some tragedy happens to recognize your greatness and what you contributed to this program. So I’m thankful that [athletic director] Rick [George] shot a shot and moved on what we all know was inevitable in due time.

“The time frame, nobody’s going to be happy with. Somebody’s always going to have something to say. But the way we are right now, we’re a ‘now’ generation. You guys are ‘now’ people and this is a ‘now’ time. And those guys deserve what they deserve right now. So I’m proud of them.”

It’s difficult to deny Sanders and Hunter’s worthiness. Last season, Travis Hunter won the Heisman Trophy, Walter Camp Award and both the AP and Sporting News Player of the Year honors.

Additionally, he took home the Paul Hornung Award (most versatile player), the Bednarik Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy, annually given to the best defensive player in the country. On the flip side, he won the Biletnikoff Award, given to the best receiver in college football.

As for Shedeur Sanders, it won’t be easy for any Colorado quarterback to match his accomplishments. He owns the school’s single-season records for passing yards, completions, attempts, touchdowns, completion percentage and quarterback rating. Moreover, he boasts the 14th-most passing yards in NCAA Division I history.

While other future Buffaloes will aspire to follow in the pair’s footsteps, nobody will wear their numbers for Colorado again. Deion Sanders was happy to be able to honor them.