CU football alumni react to jersey retirement of Travis Hunter, Shedeur Sanders

The Colorado football program announced Monday it will retire the uniform numbers worn by Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. Colorado said it will retire Hunter's No. 12 and Sanders' No. 2 at the school's Spring Game at Folsom Field on Saturday.

They will join four other Colorado players who had their numbers retired in the Buffaloes' 135-year-history — Rashaan Salaam’s No. 19, Byron White’s No. 24, Joe Romig’s No. 67 and Bobby Anderson’s No. 11.

Reaction to the jersey retirement has been mixed, with some fans in the fanbase acknowledging the positive impact Hunter and Sanders have had in their two seasons at Colorado, despite a 13-11 record.

Other longtime Buffs fans and Colorado football alumni have expressed anger and frustration about past CU legends that have been passed over for the jersey-retirement honor.

"The vitriol from former players regarding CU retiring #2 is loud," said former Colorado and Denver Broncos offensive lineman Tyler Polumbus. "I think most (including myself) believe he deserves the honor…eventually… Bypassing the line, bypassing #2 Deon Figures doesn’t make sense. Soo many all time greats that deserve the honor and have waited their turn. Why so fast? Zero waiting period? Feels like the first blunder of the Coach Prime era that has upset alumni."

"Retiring a Heisman Trophy winners number is a no brainer at CU," Polumbus said. "No beef w/ #12 immediately getting retired. #2 probably deserves it eventually as well but I do admit that this one feels very quick."