Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders has made waves throughout the 2024 college football season with his remarkable performances, but despite throwing for nearly 4,000 yards, 35 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions, Sanders didn’t receive an invitation to the Heisman Trophy ceremony in New York. Rather than expressing disappointment, Sanders addressed the snub with humility and a team-first mindset on a recent episode of his podcast.
“I’m Not Tripping on It”
Sanders took the omission in stride, emphasizing that external validation isn’t what drives him.
“I’m not really tripping on it, bro,” Sanders said during the podcast (at the 2:45 mark). “Honestly, I don’t need other validation to know who I am, so I don’t really care. As long as they give at least one of us the respect we deserve, that’s all that matters to me.”
For Sanders, individual accolades pale in comparison to the collective success of his team. He highlighted the importance of the players around him, giving credit to his offensive line, receiving corps, and teammates for making his success possible.
“If I won an award, it’s on behalf of the team—the o-line, the receiving core—because without those guys, I wouldn’t be able to do it,” Sanders added. “We’re not selfish people to where we just care about our own accolades. We don’t really care like that; we just like having fun.”
Supporting Travis Hunter’s Heisman Campaign
While Sanders didn’t make the finalist list, his teammate Travis Hunter is in contention for the prestigious award. Hunter, a standout dual-threat athlete, has been a dominant force on both sides of the ball this season. He’s up against Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, and Miami quarterback Cam Ward in this year’s Heisman race.
Sanders expressed nothing but excitement for Hunter’s Heisman candidacy, viewing his teammate’s success as a shared accomplishment for the entire Buffaloes team.
“When Travis wins the Heisman, I feel like I won the Heisman because we’re all part of something,” Sanders said.
Hunter’s stellar campaign has solidified his position as one of the top prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. His ability to impact games as both a wide receiver and cornerback has earned him national recognition and made him a key figure in Colorado’s resurgence under head coach Deion Sanders.
A Pivotal Year for the Buffaloes
The 2024 season has been a transformative one for both Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes. Under the guidance of Coach Prime, the program has experienced a revitalization, with Sanders at the helm of an explosive offense and Hunter excelling on both offense and defense.
While Sanders’ senior season has showcased his growth as a quarterback and leader, he remains focused on the bigger picture, valuing team camaraderie over personal accolades. His approach underscores a maturity and selflessness that has made him a respected leader both on and off the field.
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Looking Ahead
As the Heisman ceremony approaches on Dec. 14, Sanders will be cheering for Hunter from afar, fully embracing his teammate’s moment in the spotlight. His humility and focus on the collective success of the Buffaloes serve as a testament to his character and leadership.
Though he may not be in New York for the ceremony, Sanders’ legacy at Colorado and his impact on the program are undeniable.
With a potential future in the NFL ahead, Sanders’ team-first mentality and unwavering support for his teammates will undoubtedly continue to define his journey.
