Ex-NFL player, Colorado alum bashes Deion Sanders

by February 12, 2026

written by February 12, 2026

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders is one of the most polarizing figures in college football. Fans either love or hate him and his team.

This isn’t exclusive to college football fans either. Recently, former NFL player and Colorado alumnus Christian Fauria had strong opinions about Sanders’ leadership.

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“I’m just not a fan of the coach. I’m not. I’ll never be a fan of the coach,” the former Super Bowl champion told the Zach Galeb show.

Oct 11, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders during the first quarter against the Iowa State Cyclones at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

“The worst coach I ever had was Joe Gibbs. So me picking on Deion Sanders is nothing. I just don’t like the way he coaches football. I don’t think he’s very bright. I don’t think he can manage a game.”

That’s a stern stance on two former NFL legends. What might be the most damning statement is the one most of Sanders’ critics echo.

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“I think there’s a lot of flash, but there’s no substance. And he’s got a lot of people brainwashed.” Fauria said.

It’s one thing for anyone to say these things about a program’s coach. It’s another for an alumnus who played in the game’s biggest stages to express it.

<p>Aug 29, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders congratulates Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) following a touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images</p> — Aug 29, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders congratulates Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) following a touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Sanders is 16-21 in his first few seasons in Colorado. He had the blessing of coaching his son Sheduer Sanders and top recruit Travis Hunter in his first two seasons. Both of those players are in the NFL.

2026 could be a make-or-break season for Sanders, who is expected to start the nation’s top recruit at quarterback in Julian Lewis. If his Buffaloes can have a strong season, perhaps it could quiet critics–fans and alumni alike.