Warren Sapp has never been quiet, on or off the field. The Hall of Fame defensive tackle built a legendary NFL career through power, precision, and a deep understanding of the game. Now he brings that same energy to the Colorado Buffaloes as pass rush coordinator.
His coaching role has reshaped Colorado’s pass-rush identity, but over the weekend, it was a game outside Boulder that pulled him into the spotlight.
The Boise State vs. Colorado State matchup produced one of the most talked-about officiating moments of the season. In the fourth quarter, Colorado State running back Javion Kinnard broke free for what looked like a 91-yard touchdown.
He separated from defenders, opened up the field, and coasted toward the end zone. As he slowed up near the goal line, a flag flew behind him. The referee called taunting, wiping out the entire score. The touchdown disappeared from the board, and the call immediately ignited outrage across social media.
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It overshadowed the rest of the night and set off a wave of reaction across the college football world. That’s when Warren Sapp joined the chorus. The Buffaloes assistant saw the clip circulating online and reposted the video to his Instagram story.
He added his own demand for accountability, calling for the referee to be removed from officiating.
“Fire the ref!!! For that??” he wrote on his Instagram story.
Many argued that Kinnard had simply eased his stride rather than mocked anyone. Others felt the official looked eager to find a reason to throw a flag, especially with the game already lopsided. The moment became the headline instead of the score.
The game itself ended in a decisive Boise State win. The Broncos took control early and never let go.
Deion Sanders Convinced Warren Sapp to Join Colorado
Warren Sapp’s presence in Boulder traces back to his long-standing relationship with Deion Sanders. Coach Prime planted the seed years ago, inviting Sapp to watch practices and evaluate defensive linemen. Sapp saw players hungry for real technique and realized he could teach at a level few others could match.
Sanders told him there would be a spot for him once he finished his degree, and Sapp followed through. He returned to school, earned the credentials required for an on-field college role, and joined Colorado.
“It’s the young men I get to work with and try to mold, and then you can get so frustrated with them that- almost like your kids, but you love them so much that, you know, it’ll be all right,” Sapp SAID. “It’s just the evolving door of trying to teach young men that think they know everything, what they know after they know everything, because that’s what’s really important.”
Sapp found his rhythm in Boulder because Sanders gave him purpose, responsibility, and the freedom to shape players. That trust set the foundation for his second football career.
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