Colorado made headlines this week by securing what it described as record-setting insurance coverage for quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. The groundbreaking move comes as the star players committed to finishing their college careers in the Alamo Bowl rather than sitting out to prepare for the NFL draft.
The university did not disclose the exact coverage amounts for privacy reasons, but both head coach Deion Sanders and athletic director Rick George confirmed it was the largest insurance coverage in college football history.
“We happen to have two players that are likely to be the first two picks in the NFL draft,” Coach Sanders said on Monday. “They’ve received what I believe is the highest insurance coverage ever provided to college football players. It’s unprecedented.”
Unprecedented Coverage for Star Players
While most college programs maintain basic insurance policies to protect their athletes from potential career-ending injuries, Colorado took the bold step of increasing disability coverage for its entire roster ahead of the Alamo Bowl. For Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, however, the policies were significantly larger due to their expected status as top NFL draft picks.
“This was Coach Prime’s idea,” said Rick George. “He wanted to ensure that our athletes had disability insurance so they could play without worry. If any kind of injury occurred, they would be well taken care of. We’re excited about it, and it’s great to see all our players suiting up for this game.”
Colorado’s proactive approach reflects a growing trend in college football, where players often skip bowl games to avoid injury and protect their draft stock. In contrast, the Buffaloes retained their entire two-deep roster for the game, a rarity in today’s landscape.
A Game-Changing Move for College Football
Deion Sanders, now leading the No. 20 Buffaloes, ensured his quarterback son Shedeur and two-way phenom Hunter received enhanced policies. The decision demonstrates a shift in how leadership in college sports is prioritizing player welfare.
Andre’ Hart, Colorado’s linebackers coach, applauded the effort. “When I played at Kansas State, they just gave us a helmet and told us to get back out there,” Hart said. “The fact that these players are getting this level of care shows how much the game has evolved. It’s leadership at its finest.”
The Stars of Colorado
Shedeur Sanders has had an exceptional season, completing 337 of 454 passes for 3,926 yards and 35 touchdowns. Many scouting services have him rated as the top quarterback in this year’s draft, making him a prized prospect for NFL teams.
Meanwhile, Travis Hunter’s two-way dominance earned him the Heisman Trophy. As a wide receiver, he logged 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns. On defense, his impact was just as profound, with four interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and an opposition limited to just 22 receptions across 688 defensive snaps.
Focused on the Alamo Bowl
The Buffaloes (9-3, No. 23 CFP) will face No. 17 BYU (10-2) in the Alamo Bowl on Saturday. The team’s unity and full participation stand out in a year when many teams are grappling with starters opting out for the transfer portal or NFL draft.
Running back Micah Welch highlighted the significance of Colorado’s approach. “They’ve taken care of us—all of us,” Welch said. “To have every teammate here means everything. That’s what I admire about Coach Prime. He’s making sure we’re looked after.”
As Colorado prepares for the big game, the groundbreaking insurance coverage not only secures the futures of its star players but also sets a new standard for how college programs can protect and support their athletes. The Buffaloes are not just playing for a trophy—they’re setting the stage for a brighter, more player-focused future in college football.
