Deion Sanders Responds to Criticism Over Style From Colorado State Coach Jay Norvell

Colorado State’s head football coach, Jay Norvell, raised eyebrows with comments seemingly aimed at Deion Sanders, head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes. Norvell, during his weekly coach’s show, remarked on his habit of removing his hat and glasses when talking to “grown-ups” due to his mother’s teachings. Sanders, known for his distinctive style of wearing sunglasses and a hat at press events, wasted no time responding to Norvell’s remarks.

“I’m a grown man,” Sanders declared on his own coach’s show in Boulder, addressing Norvell’s comments. “Don’t tell me what I’m supposed to wear and what I’m not supposed to wear. Please.”

Norvell’s comments came in the context of his players participating in videos with ESPN ahead of the upcoming game against Colorado. He mentioned that his players had grown weary of external criticism. Although Norvell didn’t name Sanders directly, the local audience seemed to understand the reference, applauding Norvell’s comments.

Expressing his frustration, Norvell stated, “They’re not gonna like us, no matter what we say or do. It doesn’t matter. OK, so let’s go up there and play.”

Sanders, in response to Norvell’s words, rallied his team during practice and used the comments as motivation, saying, “They done messed around and made it personal.”

Sanders also addressed Norvell’s remarks during his own coach’s show, emphasizing his commitment to staying true to himself. When asked about wearing sunglasses and a cap, Sanders responded, “I’m consistent with who I am.”

In anticipation of the upcoming game, Colorado State is considered a substantial 23 1/2-point underdog against Colorado. The Buffaloes recently secured a convincing victory against Nebraska, with Sanders’ son and quarterback, Shedeur, expressing that the game held personal significance due to comments made by Nebraska coach Matt Rhule. However, Norvell’s comments directly taking aim at Sanders have intensified the pre-game tension.

Norvell, who assumed the role of CSU’s head coach in December 2021, is yet to face Colorado in the Rocky Mountain Showdown. Historically, Colorado has maintained a dominant position in the in-state rivalry, boasting a record of 67-22-2 and winning eight of the last ten encounters.

Sanders also provided insight into his choice of sunglasses, attributing it to early mornings and the need to hide his tired eyes, stating, “Eyes tell everything about a person. That’s really why I do it. And I look good doing it.”