Deion Sanders condemns death threats against Colorado State safety Henry Blackburn as Coach Prime reveals that neither of his two sons – Shedeur or Shilo – will go to the NFL next year

Deion Sanders defends Henry Blackburn after Colorado State safety received death threats for late hit on Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter, and claims neither of his two sons — Shedeur or Shilo — will go to the NFL next year.

“It’s absurd that people are being threatened,” the Colorado coach said during his weekly press conference. “I don’t mind receiving death threats. I receive them every week. But a child is not good. (…) He does not deserve a death threat for a match. At the end of the day, it’s a game: someone has to win, someone has to lose. Everyone goes on with their lives the next day. Very unhappy.

Blackburn delivered a late blow to Hunter’s midsection on an incomplete pass in the first quarter of the Rocky Mountain Showdown last weekend. The Rams senior drew a flag for unnecessary roughness, one of 17 penalties the Rams committed in the 43-35 double-overtime loss to the Buffaloes. Hunter went to the hospital with a lacerated life for further evaluation.

Sanders said he has forgiven Blackburn, as has Hunter, who has no definitive timetable for a return. Sanders said there was no room for threats directed at Blackburn and his family.

“Henry Blackburn is a good player who played a phenomenal game,” said Sanders, whose 19th-ranked Buffaloes (3-0) travel to No. 10 Oregon on Saturday before hosting No. 5 Southern Cal the week next. “He took a huge hit on Travis on the sidelines. You could call it dirty, you could call it he was just playing football. But whatever it is, that doesn’t mean he should receive death threats.

Blackburn hit Colorado player Travis Hunter near the sidelines during Saturday’s rivalry game

Colorado State coach Jay Norvell said Monday that Blackburn, a Boulder native, and his family had their address posted on social media. Norvell also added that the police were involved given the nature of the comments.

“I am saddened if there is any fan of ours who is on the other side of these threats,” Sanders said. “I was hoping and not praying, but this kid was just playing (to the best) of his abilities.” And he made a mistake. (…) Let’s get out of here. This kid doesn’t deserve this.

In his online streaming show, Hunter said of Blackburn’s success: “He did what he was supposed to do. It’s football. Something bad is going to happen on the field sooner or later. You must get up and fight again.

Buff safety Shilo Sanders isn’t quite above the hit. Hunter is one of his good friends and they trade food orders before games.

“I really wanted to yell at this guy who did that to him, for real, after the game or something,” he said. “If I see him anywhere around here, he needs to be careful.” But it really made me angry, just seeing him try to play dirty like that. It was crazy.

Hunter went to the hospital with a lacerated life for further evaluation and will be out against Oregon

Hunter rarely came off the field for the Buffaloes in wins over TCU and Nebraska. He has one interception and nine tackles on defense. He also caught 16 passes for 213 yards from quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

“I absolutely hate this for Travis. He’s a dynamic kid,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said. “He has a unique personality and is obviously great on the football field. It certainly gave them an advantage. I hope he will be healthy soon. I hate not seeing him play in this game because he’s destined for a stage like this, the stage we’re going to have this Saturday.

As for who could replace Hunter, Deion Sanders said it’s a difficult assignment.

“No one in the country can replace Travis Hunter,” Sanders said. “You have to understand, he’s a unique player. It is one of a kind. He’s the best offensive player, the best defensive player. That’s exactly who he is – in the country, not just on his team.

“So if guys step up, they just have to step up and do the job that we’re asking them to do.”

Sanders attended the Denver Broncos’ final home game — a 33-35 loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday, just a day after Colorado’s victory — with Shedeur and Shilo, the social media video shows, appearing disagreeing with Shilo’s projection that he and his brother will both play in the NFL in 2024.

“We kinda got into it once we got here…Shilo said, ‘Oh Shedeur, look…you’ll be in the NFL next year.’ is not the case,” Sanders said.

After a perplexed Shilo explained to his father that he was actually talking about him and Shedeur going to the NFL, Shedeur, who was not on camera, responded with “Whatchu trynna say”, to which Deion replied, “That’s because you all are.” I’m not going anywhere.

Shedeur is projected to go as high as No. 14 to the Broncos, according to a recent CBS Sports NFL Mock Draft, but his father and coach would clearly prefer he stay for another season as Colorado looks to continue its rise to the top of the team . college football.

Shedeur is also considered a Heisman Trophy candidate based on his performance during the first few weeks of Colorado’s season.