The University of Colorado Buffaloes will have their full complement of players during the Alamo Bowl game against Brigham Young University’s Cougars on Saturday, Dec. 28. The reason is simple –– insurance.
In an era when most top college football players opt out of playing in bowl games that have little impact on the season, fearful of sustaining a serious injury before they hit the big leagues, head coach Deion Sanders is changing the game yet again. He’s investing in disability coverage for two of his top players.
On Monday, Dec. 23, the Buffs arrived in San Antonio to begin preparations for their matchup with the Cougars. Soon after the plane landed, Sanders and University of Colorado Athletic Director Rick George met with the media. They explained why two of the top players in the country will be suiting up on Saturday.
“We happen to have two players that are probably going to be the first two picks of the NFL draft. I think we all know who those two are, and they have received, I think, the highest number of coverage that has ever been covered in college football,” Sanders said. “It far exceeds anyone that has ever played this game of college football. So we’re happy and excited.”
Disability insurance for top athletes is not a new initiative, but the “highest coverage ever” quote from Sanders is worth noting. Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and star quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Deion’s son, will be among the top five NFL draft picks in April.
The two now have peace of mind that the team will protect future earnings while they play with their Buffaloes teammates one last time. It’s something George believes is a by-product of the culture Coach Sanders has built.
“It’s really him; it was his idea. He felt it was important for our student-athletes, for all of them, to play. He encouraged that,” George said. “It’s a testament to him getting out there in front of his guys and saying, ‘You know, we want you to play,’ and we did this because we want to make sure that these guys are covered. We’re excited about it. It’s going to be one heck of a game.”
The university says it cannot disclose the exact coverage amount due to privacy laws. However, the move is proof that college football is big business. Not many know the business side better than Deion “Primetime” Sanders.
