The Colorado Buffaloes aren’t just attempting to recruit an all-star cast on the field; they trying to build an all-star cast on the sideline. Warren Sapp is the latest name to team up with Deion Sanders in Boulder, joining the most talked about staff in the nation.
Sapp’s inclusion on the staff in Colorado has been touted for some months, but the former defensive tackle’s responsibilities became official when he spoke to the team.
‘We’re Building Mansions Here’ — Warren Sapp on Joining the Colorado Buffaloes Staff
Sapp joins the Buffaloes as a senior quality control assistant, linking up with his long-time friend Coach Prime.
The Pro Football Hall of Famer attended the University of Miami (FL) between 1991 and 1994, where he became one of the best defensive linemen in the country. The legendary DT was a first-round selection in the 1995 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccanneers.
In the NFL, Sapp had a 13-year career with the Buccaneers and Raiders, winning a Super Bowl, making the Pro Bowl seven times, and gaining four first-team All-Pro selections.
As a senior quality control analyst, Sapp is required to enroll at the university and complete graduate classes. Most coaches across college football start in the entry-level role, which provides fundamental experience, contacts, and knowledge.
The move to taking classes allows Sapp to have more time on the field with student-athletes. However, because it is a junior position, he is not allowed to be involved in any recruiting responsibilities.
Sapp was introduced to the locker room and addressed the team on Sunday, March 31, where he spoke about how he wants to make them better people and players.
“Senior quality control analyst, it’s a mouthful, and you’ll hear me before you see me most of the time,” said Sapp.
“But, what we gonna do is, big fellas, it’s stance, alignment, and assignment. We’re gonna pour concrete because I like nice stuff. And we’re building mansions here, so that’s why I’m here. To help you build your mansion.”
Colorado University released a statement via USA Today confirming that Sapp is joining the football staff.
“Sapp successfully completed all of the necessary steps required of anyone who is employed at CU Boulder, including a background check,” the statement disclosed.
“Athletic Director Rick George personally met with Warren to clearly articulate the department’s standards and expectations, to which he acknowledged and agreed.”
Questions were raised when Sapp was first linked with Colorado in November 2023 due to several previous criminal charges that saw him fired from his NFL television role.
At that time, the university stated that no direct approach had been taken, although Sanders was open to the media about his intentions.
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Speaking on the Rich Eisen Show, Sanders said, “He has so much to give, man, and I can’t wait to see him on a daily basis. [Sapp] wants to coach on this staff, and he is gonna be a part of this staff.”
Sanders’ wish for Sapp to join him on staff has come true as the friends link up ahead of the 2024 college football season. As the Buffaloes transition to the Big 12 this fall, the big man clearly has large expectations of what this Colorado team can accomplish.
“Let’s go ride — championship time.”
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