Christian Fauria says he’s ‘tapped out’ on supporting Deion Sanders’ Colorado program

Christian Fauria, a former Colorado standout and long-time NFL tight end, announced he has withdrawn his active support for the Buffaloes, calling the program’s recent decisions a breaking point. Fauria singled out the retirement of Shedeur Sanders’ No. 2 jersey and criticized the head coach’s methods, while also making clear his desire for the program to succeed on the field.

Jersey retirement was the tipping point

Fauria said he “officially tapped out in April 2025 (ET)” when the school retired Shedeur Sanders’ jersey. While he emphasized he has nothing personal against Shedeur as a player, Fauria described the ceremony as a vanity project driven by the coach, a move that he believes prioritizes image over institutional standards and accomplishments.

“I don’t want Colorado to fail — I want them to succeed!” Fauria wrote. “But I find the head coach’s priorities off-putting. I can root for Shedeur as a player while still calling his jersey retirement what it was: a vanity project driven by his father. ”

Fauria’s comments underscored a broader frustration among some alumni who feel recent honors and promotional moves have become more about personalities than performance. The former tight end, who helped Colorado reach the pinnacle of the college game during his playing days, framed his decision as a matter of principle rather than personal grievance.

Sharp critique of coaching style and program direction

Beyond the jersey controversy, Fauria leveled a series of criticism at the head coach’s approach to the game. He questioned the coach’s in-game management and said there is too much flash and not enough substance, calling attention to the team’s... mixed results on the field since the coach took over.

“I’m just not a fan of the coach. I’m not. I’ll never be a fan of the coach, ” Fauria said, adding that while the coach can be a marketing genius who built an empire around his name, that business acumen does not automatically translate into the detailed football expertise Fauria expects from a head coach.

Fauria noted the team’s overall record — hovering at 16-21 over the coach’s tenure — and pointed to seasons that swung from nine wins to three wins as evidence that on-field consistency remains an issue. He warned that unless wins become the primary currency, more alumni and fans may follow his lead and withdraw active support.

Personal connections and clarifications

Fauria’s son played at Colorado early in the coach’s tenure but transferred to Delaware shortly after the coaching change. That move has prompted questions about whether the father’s criticism is rooted in a personal grievance. Fauria rejected that interpretation, saying repeatedly that his son’s decisions have nothing to do with his public criticisms.

“My son has absolutely nothing to do with it, ” Fauria wrote. He also pushed back on the idea that criticism is equivalent to hate, arguing that alumni should be allowed to voice concerns without being labeled as disloyal.

The debate Fauria has reignited highlights a deeper split among the program’s alumni and fan base: admiration for the coach’s ability to generate attention and revenue versus skepticism about whether that attention translates into sustainable success on Saturdays. For now, Fauria’s stance serves as a high-profile example of alumni discontent that athletic administrators and the coaching staff will have to reckon with as they prepare for the coming season, beginning Sept. 5, 2026 (ET).

Fauria’s critique is likely to keep the conversation about priorities — on-field results versus branding and promotion — at the forefront of the program’s offseason discussions.