Colorado

Barry Switzer says Deion Sanders isn’t ‘tied to Colorado’ and will go where he fits

Published

2 years ago

July 27, 2024

Barry Switzer says Deion Sanders isn’t ‘tied to Colorado’ and will go where he fits

Deion Sanders made a powerful entrance at Colorado, dramatically transforming the team through the transfer portal. He brought in his sons and several top players to join the Buffaloes, significantly boosting the program’s profile. The “Prime Effect” was immediate and caused waves. Colorado quickly became the talk of college football, starting the season with a stunning upset against No. 17 TCU and following it up with wins against Nebraska and Colorado State.

However, the initial momentum faced a harsh reality check. As the season progressed, Colorado encountered the stiff competition of the Pac-12, resulting in a series of losses. The team finished with a 4-8 record, losing its final six games. Despite the tough finish, Sanders has remained steadfast in his commitment to Colorado, asserting his intention to stay for the long haul. Nevertheless, many believe that opportunities elsewhere will always tempt him.

One of Sanders’ early mentors, Former Dallas Cowboys and Oklahoma Sooners head coach Barry Switzer, believes that Sanders would eventually leave Colorado for a position that better suits him.
“Deion is going to go where it fits Deion,” Switzer remarked on OutKick’s podcast with Dan Dakich.

He acknowledged that while Sanders might be trying to establish himself at Colorado, coaches typically seek the best fit for themselves. Reflecting on his own career, Switzer noted that even in his prime years at Oklahoma, there was always a sense of looking for better opportunities.

“I don’t say he is tied to Colorado; he is going to try and establish himself there, but Deion is going to go what fits Deion, and I understand. All coaches do that. I did it when I was at Oklahoma. Hell, I had one of the best jobs in the country when I was here in the ‘70s and ’80s. I wasn’t going anywhere. I wished they paid me more, but it was a different time and a different era.”

Barry Switzer EXCLUSIVE: Colorado and the rise of Deion Sanders

Rumors have already linked Sanders to potential openings, notably to replace Lincoln Riley at USC after the 2024 season. This speculation is fueled by the likelihood that his sons, Shedeur and Shilo Sanders, will declare for the NFL Draft, making a transition to professional coaching more appealing.

Despite the rumors and potential opportunities, Sanders has expressed a clear preference for staying in the college game. In a January conversation with Robert Griffin III, Sanders stated he has no desire to coach in the NFL. He explained his reasoning and said the challenge of motivating professional players who are already well-compensated. Sanders highlighted his passion for shaping young athletes in college, appreciating the influence he can have on their development both on and off the field.

“I love the college game,” Sanders said. “I love still having influence on the minds and the games of these young men. I love shaping them and molding them. I couldn’t do that on the next level.”

While the future remains uncertain, Deion Sanders’ impact at Colorado and his dedication to college football are undeniable.

Source link

Colorado

Every Colorado Buffaloes First-Round Pick In NFL Draft History

Published

48 minutes ago

April 14, 2026

Press Room

Every Colorado Buffaloes First-Round Pick In NFL Draft History

With the NFL Draft approaching, many players will hear their names called, and their lives will be changed forever. The Colorado Buffaloes have been fortunate to have 25 of their players selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.

So here is a list of all 25 Colorado players who have been selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.

Nov 5, 2006; Jacksonville, FL, USA: Jacksonville Jaguars tight end (87) George Wrighster celebrates a touchdown with teammates (89) Marcedes Lewis and (65) Chris Naeole after scoring during the 1st quarter at against the Tennessee Titans at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, FL. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images Copyright © 2006 Jason Parkhurst | Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

Every Colorado First Round Draft Pick

RB Byron “Whizzer” White (1938): No. 4 overall, Pittsburgh Pirates
LB Jerry Hillebrand (1962): No. 13 overall, New York Giants
RB Bobby Anderson (1970): No. 11 overall, Denver Broncos
DT Herb Orvis (1972): No. 16 overall, Detroit Lions
RB Bo Matthews (1974): No. 2 pick, San Diego Chargers
TE J.V. Cain (1974): No. 7 overall, St. Louis Cardinals
C Pete Brock (1976): No. 12 overall, New England Patriots
DT Troy Archer (1976): No. 13 overall, New York Giants
OT Max Koncar (1976): No. 23 overall, Green Bay Packers
DB Mark Haynes (1980): No. 8 overall, New York Giants
OT Stan Brock (1980): No. 12 overall, New Orleans Saints
WR Mike Pritchard (1991): No. 13 overall, Atlanta Falcons
DE Alfred Williams (1991): No. 18 overall, Cincinnati Bengals
DB Deon Figures (1993): No. 23 overall, Pittsburgh Steelers
DT Leonard Renfro (1993): No. 24 overall, Philadelphia Eagles
WR Charles Johnson (1994): No. 17 overall, Pittsburgh Steelers
WR Michael Westbrook (1995): No. 4 overall, Washington Redskins
RB Rashaan Salaam (1995): No. 21 overall, Chicago Bears
OG Chris Naeole (1997): No. 10 overall, New Orleans Saints
WR Rae Carruth (1997): No. 27 overall, Carolina Panthers
TE Daniel Graham (2002): No. 21 overall, New England Patriots
DE Tyler Brayton (2003): No. 32 overall, Oakland Raiders
OT Nate Solder (2011): No. 17 overall, New England Patriots
DB Jimmy Smith (2011): No. 27 overall, Baltimore Ravens
WR/CB Travis Hunter (2025): No. 2 overall, Jacksonville Jaguars

Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws in the pocket with protection provided by tackle Nate Solder (77) against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter of Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images | Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

Key First Round Buffaloes

There have been several Colorado players who have made a significant impact in the NFL after being drafted in the first round.

The first player to note is running back Byron “Whizzer” White, who was the first-ever Buffaloes player drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft. White had a solid career in the NFL and definitely was worth the selection.

Colorado also had an interesting trend of multiple players being selected in the first round on eight separate occasions, which showed the Buffaloes ‘ ability to develop talent on a consistent basis.

One of the more successful Colorado players in the NFL was an offensive tackle, Nate Solder, who was drafted by the Patriots in 2011 and won two Super Bowls while blocking for Tom Brady. Solder provided consistent protection and was someone that the Patriots could rely on to do his job well.

Former Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith also had a successful career after being drafted in 2011 by the Baltimore Ravens. One of the highlights of Smith’s career was when he won Super Bowl XLVII with the Ravens and made crucial stops on the goal line to seal the game. Throughout his career, Smith was always solid in coverage and could make a play when he needed to.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) reacts to a tackle during the first quarter of an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jacksonville Jaguars edged the Kansas City Chiefs 31-28. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] | Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Currently in the NFL is former Colorado Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, who was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 2 overall in the 2025 draft. Hunter had a decent rookie season, but it was unfortunately ended early by injury.

Heading into a sophomore season, Hunter will be making a change to cornerback and looks to be a great contributor for the Jaguars on defense while adding some value as a situational receiver.

As indicated by the number of players drafted in the first round from Colorado, the Buffaloes definitely have a history of being able to develop great talent that can be successful in the NFL.

Unfortunately, there are no Buffaloes projected to be first-round picks this season, however next year could be the perfect opportunity with players like wide receiver Danny Scudero and defensive tackle Santana Hopper poised for big seasons.

Sign up to our free newsletter and follow us on Facebook for the latest news.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Source link

Colorado

Denver nostalgic-themed bar opens after lengthy permitting delays

Published

13 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Press Room

Denver nostalgic-themed bar opens after lengthy permitting delays

South Broadway’s newest bar in Denver is a “nostalgic-forward neighborhood cocktail bar” called the Good Luck Club. However, it’s been anything but lucky.

“It would have been really helpful to have a road map of here’s how you open up a bar,” said Ben Hamilton, Good Luck Club’s general manager. “Here are the steps you need to take.”

It’s finally open, six months behind target, thanks to a guessing game they didn’t know they were playing.

“I was like jumping over hurdles and navigating a maze to try to figure out and put all the pieces of the puzzle together,” Hamilton added. “There was a good list of complications that we ran into when we were filing for our liquor licenses, our zoning permits, our assembly permits.”

Ben Hamilton, the general manager of the Good Luck Club, talks about the delays he new Denver bar faced in opening.

CBS

However, the city knows about the problems behind the permit process.

Tuesday marks exactly one year since Denver Mayor Mike Johnston signed his first executive order overhauling the city’s permit process with a new office.

“It’s really hard for our customers to understand what is needed for every type of construction project that could be out there,” said Robert Peek, the director of development systems performance with the Denver Permitting Office.

Hamilton says that was exactly what he and his team faced: “It seemed like it was never the full answer.”

That’s why the Denver City Council approved a $4.6 million contract with ComplyAI for a tool that will help streamline and speed up the process.

“It’ll do an initial review of their applications and their plans and identify anything that I’m missing or anything that is approvable for the city,” Peek said.

The software could shave weeks off the process, and hopefully, in the future, businesses like the Good Luck Club can serve the community more quickly.

“We see this as part of our larger effort to really revitalize our local economy by getting these businesses and homeowners to move into their homes,” Peek said.

The permitting office is just beginning the implementation process to integrate the artificial intelligence tool into the system. They hope to launch it to the public by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, the Good Luck Club is having its grand opening on April 30.

Source link

Colorado

Colorado Avalanche coach suffers facial fractures after being hit with a puck

Published

1 day ago

April 13, 2026

Press Room

$Colorado Avalanche coach suffers facial fractures after being hit with a puck$

The Colorado Avalanche’s head coach will not travel with the team this week due to injuries he sustained after being hit with a puck during a game over the weekend.

Jared Bednar will stay at home as the team travels for two of its last regular season games in Canada, according to a statement from the team. Bednar was diagnosed with facial fractures and a corneal abrasion, but is expected to make a full recovery without surgery.

During Saturday night’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights, a stray puck hit by the Knights’ Keegan Kolesar went over the boards and into the Avalanche’s bench. Bednar was struck on the right side of his face and taken to the hospital to be evaluated.

The assistant coaching staff, which includes Dave Hakstol and Nolan Pratt, took over after Bednar left the game. Pratt told reporters in the postgame press conference that the hit was “unnerving.”

“It’s scary when the pucks are flying in there, it happens all the time,” Pratt said, adding that it was “unfortunate tonight.”

But the team recalibrated and returned to play, Pratt said.

The Avalanche lost in overtime, but have already secured their playoff spot.

Pratt and Hakstol will lead the Avalanche in the Monday night game against the Edmonton Oilers and Tuesday’s game against the Calgary Flames. The team will return to Denver’s Ball Arena for its final home game before playoffs on Thursday.

Source link