Skip to main content

There has been a bit of speculation as to what Warren Sapp's role will be at Colorado this year. The Hall-of-Famer set the record straight while on Super Bowl Radio Row Thursday, saying he would be a graduate assistant.

Sapp has wanted to break into coaching but has never been given the opportunity until now. On paper, it's a minor position which will be a stepping stone towards future advancements. Deion Sanders knows the type of coach he's getting with another NFL great coming to Boulder.

"I'm excited about coach Sapp," Sanders said back in November. "He's a dear friend that I love to life. He's going to be invaluable with what he brings to the table."

Sapp was around the program a bit starting last year. He went back to school and got a degree with the intention of joining Sanders' staff. Ironically, it's the same path Coach Prime took before heading to Jackson State. The defensive beast was a feared member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before joining the Oakland Raiders to end his NFL career in 2007. Since that time, Sapp has gone the media route as a commentator.

The Buffs are expected to have the most NFL influence in the country. There are many programs wanting to bring back alumni and say they're preparing players for the league, but only one will have Hall-of-Famers working on a daily basis. It's a huge advancement from the direction CU was headed under Karl Dorrell.

Sanders and his staff secured one of the best combined recruiting classes to date. They'll also have the opportunity to snag a few more players jumping into the transfer portal after spring practices. The set of moves will put the Buffs in contention to take over the Big 12 in the first year back in the conference.