Deion Sanders' Impact Felt Beyond Colorado Buffaloes' Challenging Season

Despite a 4-8 record, Sanders' charisma and commitment to change have resonated with many, leading to his recognition as 'Sportsperson of the Year' and sparking a national conversation.

Deion Sanders, former NFL star and current head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, has been named 'Sportsperson of the Year' by Sports Illustrated, despite a challenging first season that saw the team lose their last six games and finish with a 4-8 record.
Sanders' impact has extended beyond the field, with his charisma and direct addressing of racism resonating with many, particularly within the Black community. His influence has been so significant that he has built a national coalition of support, despite Boulder, Colorado's population being just 1.3% Black.
Sanders' first season at Colorado was marked by significant roster changes, with more than 50 players cut and another 20 leaving on their own. This resulted in 86 newcomers on the 114-player roster, a move that has been criticized by some coaches.
Despite the team's disappointing end to the season, Sanders has remained optimistic about the future, promising to bring in more talented players and fill the team's gaps. He has been particularly critical of the team's offensive line, which allowed his quarterbacks, including his son Shedeur, to be sacked 56 times.
Former players who were cut or left the team have moved on to other schools, with some finding success at their new institutions. However, the way the cuts were handled has left some players and their families feeling resentful towards the coaching staff.