The Colorado Buffaloes received devastating news as junior running back Charlie Offerdahl announced his retirement from football during an emotional team address.
Offerdahl began his emotional address to the team by saying:
“Obviously, I haven’t been here this summer.”
“If it’s not obvious already, I won’t be coming back this year. You know just how serious this last concussion was and how many I’ve had leading up to it; you know, it’s pretty scary for me and my family,” he added.
Colorado RB Charlie Offerdahl announces that he is stepping away from Football due to a serious concussion he sustained.
Coach Prime has elected to continue to aid Offerdahl a scholarship❤️
🎥@DeionSanders pic.twitter.com/6CWRyPmQWF
— GUCCE🦬🐦⬛ (@gucceCU) July 29, 2025
Offerdahl made his announcement with training camp just around the corner, and you could tell his teammates and coaches were all taken aback by what he had to say as he fought back tears. Last year’s contributor in 2024 season when he played in 13 games with one starting assignment, made it clear that his most recent concussion hit him hard and was very concerning to him and his family.
The timing of this announcement added yet another layer of meaning to an incredibly emotional moment. With training camp starting in just a few days, Colorado will have to deal with life without Charlie Offerdahl, an impact on field and in the locker room where he was an on-the-field leader visible in the “L” on his jersey front and center for all to see.
Coach Deion Sanders, who recently revealed he fought bladder cancer and reported successful treatment, immediately showed support for his player’s decision. Sanders’ response was evident to reflect the deep bond that coach and player developed since he was arrived in Boulder.
“Coach Bryan, I Love You” – Charlie Offerdahl’s Heartfelt Message to Deion Sanders
The most heartwarming moment came when Charlie Offerdahl chose to speak specifically to Deion Sanders in his farewell speech. His voice broke when he shared how much the relationship has grown from a professional to a personal connection with the coaching icon.
“Coach Bryan, I love you, Coach,” Offerdahl said.
“You know, when you first came in, you believed in me when nobody else did. Not even myself, and I can’t thank you enough for that,” he added.
The running back’s announcement was not just about ending his football career. He also filled his teammates in on his future where he shared he was currently applying to dental school and offered his services to his teammates in the future.
Sanders quickly realized the financial burden dental school would create. In a moment that perfectly depicted Sanders as coach and a mentor, he let Charlie Offerdahl know, that he would continue his scholarship and pay for his education.
“There’s somebody out there that’s in control of a dental school,” Sanders said.
“I want to make sure we take care of him. Does that cost? Dental school? It’s quite a bit. No, no, we’re going to get somebody out there to bless you,” he added.
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