Former Colorado football walk-on turned fan favorite makes emotional career decision
Offerdahl is one of the last players remaining from the previous regime, but perhaps surprisingly, is also a player with whom Sanders has a close relationship. On Tuesday morning, he made the emotional decision to retire from football due to serious concussion issues.
The Colorado native was awarded a scholarship by Sanders last spring and played in 13 games for the Buffs last season, but his latest concussion was too much to overcome.
In a speech to the entire Colorado football program, Offerdahl announced his decision.
"Obviously, I haven't been here this summer," Offerdahl said in a video posted to Sanders' Instagram account. "If it's not obvious already, I won't be coming back this year. How serious this last concussion was and how many I've had leading up to it is pretty scary for me and my family, but I will be hanging it up."
Offerdahl's freshman season was Colorado's 1-11 year in 2022, where he racked up 37 carries for 150 yards, which were the most for a walk-on in program history. He scored his only career touchdown last season against Utah.
Offerdahl also announced that he is in the process of applying for dental school, and Sanders believes he can get his now former player some help on that front.
"I love this man to life," Sanders said. "You guys know how I feel about the 'OBs,' the Original Buffs. If there's somebody out there that's in control of a dental school, I want to make sure we take care of him."
After Sanders was not done making Offerdahl feel like family, he also announced the program would continue to honor Offerdahl's scholarship for the remainder of his time at Colorado.
While the decision and announcement were an emotional moment for the entire Buffaloes' program, the loss will be felt on the field as well. Whether it was a missed opportunity in the transfer portal or not, Colorado did not bring in a true starting running back after the departure of Isaiah Augustave. Returning players like Micah Welch and Dallan Hayden look like the top two candidates, while incoming gadget-type players like Simeon Price and DeKalon Taylor are the depth options.
Colorado opened fall camp Monday, and along with the quarterback battle, the running back room will be one to watch as practices ramp up.
Follow Charlie Strella on X, Threads and Instagram.
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