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The Colorado Buffaloes' football program has gained a surprising boost in visibility, thanks to the overwhelming success of former stars Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter in NFL jersey sales. According to reports, Sanders-now a rookie quarterback with the Cleveland Browns-leads all first-year NFL players in jersey sales, with Hunter, the versatile cornerback/wide receiver drafted second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, right behind him. This surge in popularity underscores the lasting impact of playing under Colorado head coach Deion Sanders and his ability to market his players as future stars.
Sanders' influence on college football recruiting has already been immense, turning Colorado into one of the most talked-about programs in the nation. With Hunter and Shedeur continuing to dominate headlines even after leaving Boulder, Coach Prime has yet another compelling argument to attract top talent: playing for Colorado doesn't just prepare athletes for the NFL-it builds their personal brands in a way few other schools can match. In an era where Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities shape recruiting decisions, the Buffaloes now have concrete proof that their players maintain relevance long after graduation.
During their tenure at Colorado, Hunter and Sanders were instrumental in revitalizing the Buffaloes' national profile. Shedeur set school records while turning warmups into a spectacle that drew national attention, and Hunter electrified fans with his ability to play elite football on both sides of the ball, ultimately winning a Heisman Trophy. Their NIL success-marked by high-profile endorsements and media attention-proved that players at Colorado could maximize exposure beyond just their performance on the field.
The reason behind the popularity
What makes Sanders' spot atop NFL jersey sales even more surprising is his draft position. While projected as a first-round selection, the quarterback fell to the fifth round, going 144th overall to Cleveland. Yet, his jersey sales have outpaced top picks like Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick, and Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty, who was drafted sixth. His ability to maintain national appeal despite a lower draft position speaks to the power of his brand and the lasting influence of his time at Colorado.
For Colorado football, the immediate success of Sanders and Hunter in the NFL reinforces what recruits crave-visibility, marketability, and post-college stardom. It's one thing to promise exposure, but it's another to see a former fifth-round pick lead all rookies in jersey sales, further proving the program's ability to create athletes who transcend draft rankings. The message to recruits is clear: if you shine in Boulder, the spotlight follows you wherever you go.
As Sanders and Hunter continue their careers at the professional level, their success provides Deion Sanders and his staff with a powerful recruiting advantage. With tangible proof that Colorado players can enter the NFL with significant fanfare, the Buffaloes are likely to attract even more top-tier talent in future recruiting cycles. In today's NIL-driven landscape, this kind of visibility is invaluable, making Colorado one of the most appealing destinations for aspiring football stars.