Colorado head coach Deion Sanders did not request the university’s band to forgo playing the school’s traditional fight song in favor of his son Shedeur Sanders’ song, “Perfect Timing,” after touchdowns, according to a statement released by a university spokesperson. The statement directly addressed and refuted reports that Deion had asked for the fight song to be replaced by Shedeur’s personal track during the Buffaloes’ games.
In the statement, the university clarified the situation, saying, “This is not true. Nobody ever asked the band to refrain from playing the fight song. After a touchdown, the band plays ‘Glory, Glory Colorado,’ and after a point after touchdown, the band plays ‘Fight CU,’ as has been standard practice for years.”
The school further elaborated on the protocol followed when Shedeur Sanders, the Buffaloes’ starting quarterback, scores a touchdown. After the score, the band pauses briefly to allow a snippet of Shedeur’s song “Perfect Timing” to play before transitioning into “Glory, Glory Colorado.” This process, the university emphasized, has been consistent during previous games, including their recent victory against North Dakota State.
RELATED: Shedeur Sanders Criticizes Teammates Following Saturday’s Loss
Additionally, the university explained that this practice is not exclusive to Shedeur Sanders. The band also pauses after made field goals to briefly allow kicker Alejandro Mata’s personal song to play before continuing with the school’s fight song. The statement highlighted that these moments are part of an effort to enhance the fan experience, providing a personalized and celebratory atmosphere for key players, while still upholding the school’s traditional musical customs.
The statement from Colorado directly refutes earlier reports from Jake Schapiro of KKFN-FM in Longmont, Colorado, which suggested that Deion Sanders had specifically requested the band skip the fight song to promote Shedeur’s music. The clarification from the university serves to quell the controversy and maintain the focus on the team’s performances on the field.
The 2024 football season has been a mixed bag for Colorado thus far. The Buffaloes opened with a hard-fought 31-26 win over North Dakota State, a victory that sparked optimism among fans and showcased the potential of the Deion Sanders-led squad.
However, Week 2 proved more challenging as Colorado suffered a 28-10 loss to rival Nebraska in Lincoln. Despite the setback, the attention on the Buffaloes has not waned, thanks in large part to Deion Sanders’ dynamic and bold leadership style.
Coach Sanders has consistently taken an assertive and outspoken stance with the media, both before the season began and following the team’s early wins. His approach has generated headlines and drawn significant attention to the Colorado program, which was largely seen as under-the-radar before his arrival.
This latest report, though ultimately refuted by the school, adds to the complex relationship between Sanders and certain members of the media. It remains to be seen whether this apparent misreporting will smooth over the tension or add fuel to the ongoing narrative surrounding Sanders’ interactions with the press.
As the Buffaloes prepare for their Week 3 road matchup against in-state rival Colorado State, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on Sanders and his team. The upcoming game represents an important opportunity for the program to rebound from its recent loss and demonstrate that the early-season buzz is warranted. With heightened scrutiny and excitement surrounding the team, all eyes will be on how Coach Sanders and his players respond to the pressure and the challenges that lie ahead.
In the broader scope, the refutation of these reports reinforces the idea that, despite the intense media coverage, the Colorado football program remains committed to its traditions while also embracing the unique flair that comes with having a charismatic leader like Deion Sanders at the helm.
