Sanders puts Colorado players in blank jerseys until they earn number
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders kicked off spring practice Sunday by having the entire team take the field in blank jerseys.
Sanders, who left Jackson State in December to join Colorado, explained during a team meeting that each player will need to earn their desired number.
"Everything you do around here will be earned," Sanders said. "We ain't giving you nothing."
First day of Spring Practice and everybody starts with a blank jersey
— Barstool Colorado (@CUBarstool) March 19, 2023
“Everything you do around here will be earned” pic.twitter.com/WBsStegf5y
Sanders further explained the decision while speaking to reporters.
"You gotta earn stuff, ain't nobody giving you nothing," he said. "We got kids, they played a snap, and you want to be (No. 1)? You know what No. 1 meant back in the day for us? That you were that one."
As @CUBuffsFootball kickoff Spring Practice @DeionSanders offered this explanation as to why his players are practicing without numbers currently. Somewhere I’m sure Bill Belichick is smiling.@KOAColorado #CoachPrime #OldSchool pic.twitter.com/mtuElMpA7O
— Brandon Krisztal (@BKDenverSports) March 19, 2023
The Buffaloes' first spring football game under "Coach Prime" takes place April 22 and will be televised live on ESPN. It's slated to be the highest-attended spring game in Colorado history.