Duck fans have their differences with Deion Sanders, but he's good for the game

Saturday afternoon it came out that Colorado coach Deion Sanders and his medical team were making an announcement on Monday.

Sanders has been plagued by health problems over the summer and hasn't participated in recruiting or offseason coaching activities. He cancelled speaking engagements, though he did appear at Big 12 Media Days.

Previously he's has blood clots in his legs and had to have two toes amputated in 2021.

He missed the Buffaloes' annual summer camps this June. "An unspecified health issue" has kept him recuperating at his estate in Texas. A story by Brent Schrotenboer of USA Today said he lost 14 pounds during his latest medical challenge.

The announcement from the Sanders' camp suggested that Monday's press conference is just routine but there's a buzz that stepping away from coaching is a possibility. The athletic department press release said "general and team updates."

Coaching is a grind, even in the unorthodox style Coach Prime deploys. While Duck fans have had their differences and moments of outrage about the Colorado experiment, there can be no doubt it's been good for the game and building fan interest.

In the locker room before a 42-6 showdown with the Buffs in September 2023, Dan Lanning screamed into a live microphone, "The Cinderella story is over, men. They're playing for clicks. We're playing for wins."

The "Ducks Versus Them" recap of the game played up the taunting, bush-league style of the CU team, heavily featuring Sanders' son Shiloh, finger-pointing before the game then being smashed to the turf by Traeshon Holden.

Still, Sanders took Colorado football from 1-11 when he took over to 9-4 in 2024. They sold out the stadium. They had 50.000 fans for the 2023 spring game. Travis Hunter won the Heisman with a two-way individual performance that captivated the country.

After falling to the fifth round of the NFL draft, Shedeur Sanders is locked in a battle with Pro Duck Dillon Gabriel for the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback job, though both may be passed over for veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett.

The Colorado story has been aggravating to some for its focus on hype and social media, but no one can deny it's created new interest and passion for college football. In spite of their clash with the stated values of the Oregon program, Sanders and Colorado have brought new energy to the sport.

It would truly be a shame if that ended tomorrow.

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