"It's not just about my kids": Deion Sanders makes his feelings known about his senior players ahead of Colorado's Alamo Bowl

Deion Sanders will see his sons make their last appearance for Colorado in the Alamo Bowl on Saturday. The Buffaloes are scheduled to face Big 12 rivals at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas – a chance to claim the program's first bowl victory since 2004.

In his press conference session for the bowl game on Friday, Deion Sanders made it known that he is emotional about the game not only because of his kids. Colorado has a host of seniors on both sides of the field moving on to the next stage following the conclusion of the game.

“It's not just about my kids in this last moment,” Sanders said. What I'm thinking about is Shane Cokes, Chidozie, Travis Jay, Cam and some of these guys on defense that we've all had moments in my office and on the field that could bring you to tears if you really knew those moments.”

When he opened his statement recognizing a host of impactful seniors on the Colorado roster, Sanders went on to appreciate the offensive seniors also. The Buffaloes' offense, led by Shedeur Sanders, was largely crucial to the team's success this season

"Then the offensive side – all the receivers, including Johntay, that earned his No.1 one because he brought his grades up. And Jimmy Horn, who I was just in the prison with he and his father just a couple of weeks ago. So is Will Sheppard. So many of these guys that you share different moments with.”

The Buffaloes are losing quite a lot of important pieces on the offense. However, Sanders and his staff have been active throughout the year in high school recruiting. They've also made a notable stride in the current window of the transfer portal.

Deion Sanders hopes he’s built them for the next stage

While Deion Sanders relishes the moment he's had with a host of his seniors moving on from the program, he hopes he's done enough to prepare them for the next stage. This goes beyond what they get to do on the field as a professional.

“It’s so many things that you reflect on,” Sanders said. “The coach has these moments as well – his team, his seniors – it's unfortunate that they're moving on. But you pray that you poured into them enough that when they move on, they move up. They’re not just passing by.”

With Shedeur and Shilo gone, it'll be a brand new story for Coach Prime in the 2025 college football season. This will be the first time he won't be having any of his kids on his roster as a coach in the landscape.