College football is a breeding ground for fresh ideas, innovation, creativity, and pure unhindered fun. For a Colorado football program that's spent the better part of the last decade or so mired in the equivalent of a competitive tar pit, helplessly awaiting its inevitable demise, they were able to reach a nearby tree limb and pull themselves from their would-be deathbed in the form of head coach Deion Sanders.
Sanders, an NFL legend and one of the greatest professional athletes of all time, has breathed new life into a once dormant football program. In just his second season at the helm, he delivered Colorado's first nine-win season in nearly a decade while sending multiple players to the NFL Draft -- including the Heisman Trophy winner and second-overall selection Travis Hunter.
Regardless of your feelings of Deion Sanders, there is no denying the incredible impact his presence has brought to Colorado football.
So it stood to reason that when fans took to religiously pointed chants directed at the Buffs' opponents during last week's 24-21 loss to the 25th-ranked BYU Cougars, Sanders took to the podium to make a public apology.
Coach Prime issues an apology to BYU and their fans for derogatory comments made during the game.
— 2025 Big XII Burner Tournament Champion (@SKOBUFFS22) September 30, 2025
“BYU, we love you. We appreciate you, and we support you.” pic.twitter.com/HqlLxfclQA
"I know there was an incident at the conclusion of the game," Sanders opened. "We would like to apologize [to BYU] for whatever derogatory statements were made by our fans. That's not indicative of who we are. Our kids are phenomenal. Don't indict us just based on a group of young kids who probably were intoxicated and high simultaneously."
A smile broke out across the coach's face as that last sentence escaped his lips.
"Maybe I shouldn't have said that as well but it's the truth that will make you free. But BYU, we love you, we appreciate you, and we support you."
Especially with the recent reprimand and fine delivered from the Big 12 Conference, it may be a while before another fan base attempts to recite the same "F the Mormons" cheer again. Coach Sanders has long been complimentary of Kalani Sitake and the BYU football program, so this statement to the press means a great deal for a religion and community that has endured a challenging weekend for more reasons than a simple jeer.