"We started, so we had to finish it": Shedeur Sanders issues classy reply to reporters on why he played whole game

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders delivered a classy response on playing the full game despite the loss to BYU. In their first bowl game since 2020, the Buffaloes fell short in a 36-14 defeat to the Cougars at the Alamo Bowl on Saturday evening. Despite the loss, Sanders and wide receiver Travis Hunter stayed on the field until the final whistle.

During the postgame press conference, a reporter directed a question to Colorado coach Deion Sanders about the decision to keep Shedeur and Hunter in the game late, even with the outcome all but decided. The reporter asked:

“Shedeur and Travis played late into the game, regardless of the final score. I just wanted to ask what went into that decision, what it says about their character to play?”

Rather than answering himself, Coach Prime turned the question over to Shedeur, who gave a thoughtful response.

“Yeah, we started, so we had to finish it,” Shedeur said. “That was simply it. No matter what it was—if it were the other way around and we were up—we were still going to play regardless.”

The Buffaloes struggled offensively, managing only two rushing yards (36 excluding sacks), while Shedeur threw for 208 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Travis Hunter contributed significantly in receiving, with 106 yards and a touchdown.

Earlier that day, in what might have been his final collegiate game, Shedeur Sanders sported custom cleats featuring the New York Giants logo and colors.

Interestingly, the Giants currently hold the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL draft, adding intrigue to Shedeur’s potential next chapter.

Emotional Deion Sanders reflects on Shedeur Sanders’ final college game

Shedeur Sanders earned widespread praise for his late-game heroics in Colorado's Alamo Bowl loss. While the defeat marked the end of Colorado’s season, it was also an emotional moment for coach Deion Sanders, reflecting on his son Shedeur’s final college game.

Ahead of Colorado's clash with BYU, Deion opened up in an interview with ESPN’s Taylor McGregor.

“I’m seeing when they first put on uniforms,” Sanders said. “You know, when they first started. When I first started coaching them. The good, the bad, the indifference. The ups and downs. Just the journey, it has been a heck of a journey.”

In October, during an appearance on "The NightCap Show" with Shannon Sharpe and Chad Ochocinco, Deion discussed Shedeur’s bright future, even mentioning the Miami Dolphins as a potential landing spot.

Shedeur Sanders, who grew up in Tyler, Texas, showcased his talent early on at Trinity Christian School in Cedar Hill, where Deion was the offensive coordinator. Under his father’s guidance, Shedeur delivered a sensational senior season that set the stage for his standout college career.