After a noticeable decrease in attendance at the 2024 Colorado spring game compared to the previous year, critics came out in full force. Despite my efforts to support Deion Sanders’ move to the NFL as a head coach, the 3-0 start for the Buffaloes followed by a 1-8 finish cast doubt on that possibility. Deion himself has consistently stated that he has no interest in leaving for the pros, making the situation even murkier.
The controversy in Colorado escalated when former Colorado safety Xavier Smith spoke out about his decision to transfer. Smith claimed that Sanders never made an effort to get to know him and was negatively impacting the team’s confidence. Colorado’s quarterback, Shadeur Sanders, defended his coach by calling Smith “mid at best,” sparking a social-media feud between the two players.
As the online back-and-forth continued, additional teammates and supporters weighed in on the situation. Despite the negative attention, Deion Sanders stood by his son, predicting a successful future for him in football. The public spat highlighted the challenges of dealing with criticism, particularly in the social media age, where backlash and controversy are commonplace.
Despite the drama surrounding the Colorado football program, it is clear that criticism and conflict are unavoidable, especially for high-profile figures like Shedeur and Deion Sanders. The online exchanges serve as a reminder that in today’s digital arena, public figures must be prepared to handle both praise and scrutiny with equal grace.