Deion Sanders promises to turn around Colorado after lost season ‘if it’s the last thing I do’
Around this time a year ago, Deion Sanders’ reputation had grown to such a peak that he had preliminary talks with Jerry Jones about jumping to the NFL as head coach of the Cowboys.
A lot has changed since, and Sanders is promising to get his program back on track.
Colorado finished off a disappointing 3-9 season with a 24-14 loss in Manhattan, Kansas, against Kansas State on Saturday.
Gone is Shedeur Sanders, now getting a look at quarterback with the Browns. Gone is Travis Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner, now with the Jaguars. Gone are the wins and the hype that made Colorado and Deion Sanders into must-see attractions.
Deion Sanders looks on during the second quarter against the Kansas State Wildcats at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Scott Sewell-Imagn Images
Saturday was the Buffaloes’ fifth straight defeat in a season that won’t have a Bowl game.
“We won’t be in this situation again, I can promise you that,” Sanders told reporters after the season finale. “I can promise you that because I’m not happy with nothing right now. Nothing.”
Colorado lost a lot of talent this season and could not compensate.
Sanders tried three different quarterbacks — transfer Kaidon Salter getting the majority of the snaps, Ryan Staub receiving a chance and true freshman Julian “JuJu” Lewis starting a pair of games before redshirting — and none took control.
In thanking the media who had covered the team all season, Sanders vowed that next season would be a different story.
Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders hugs Colorado Buffaloes place kicker Alejandro Mata (16) during the fourth quarter after an extra point against the Kansas State Wildcats at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Scott Sewell-Imagn Images
“You don’t have to go easy on me, I’m a big boy. I’ve been doing this for a long time,” Sanders told reporters. “And when I win, I don’t mind a clap. When I lose, I don’t mind a boo. I played this game. I know this game like the back of my hand, and I love this game, and I love all the ups and downs, the ins and outs about it. I’m built for every last bit of it.
“But if anybody’s built to reconcile and to get this back on course, it’s me. And I will do it if it’s the last thing I do on earth. Trust me when I tell you. This was the Last Supper.”
