Former Colorado player blasts Deion Sanders: "He's got a lot of people brainwashed"

As the Colorado Buffaloes prepare for another college football campaign, head coach Deion Sanders is once again at the center of conversation - but this time because of strong criticism from a former player. Ex-Colorado tight end and former NFL veteran Christian Fauria publicly questioned Sanders' leadership, sparking debate among fans and alumni about the direction of the program.

Fauria made the remarks during a recent podcast appearance, where he openly stated he does not support the Pro Football Hall of Famer's coaching philosophy.

I'm just not a fan of the coach. I'm not. I'll never be a fan of the coach.

Christian Fauria

The comments arrive as Sanders enters his fourth season in Boulder with a 16-21 record across his first three years.

Questions about results vs. relevance in Colorado

Since taking over the program, Sanders has dramatically raised Colorado's national visibility. The Buffaloes posted a 9-4 season in 2024 - their first winning record in years - but followed it with a disappointing 3-9 campaign in 2025.

Fauria believes the attention surrounding the team may be overshadowing on-field performance.

"I think there's a lot of flash but there's no substance. And he's got a lot of people brainwashed," he said.

He further questioned whether publicity should be the program's primary goal.

If relevancy and having a sold-out crowd and having people talk about you... is the end goal, then congratulations, or do you want to win games?

Christian Fauria

The former tight end acknowledged Colorado has historically been difficult to rebuild but argued fundamentals still matter more than marketing.

"The way you win games - recruit, know everybody's name, give everyone the same attention - then you've got business."

Personal connection and program direction for the Buffaloes

Fauria's perspective carries added weight because of his family's ties to the school. His son, Caleb Fauria, played three seasons at Colorado before transferring following Sanders' first year in charge.

Despite his criticism, Fauria noted he initially supported the hiring of Sanders before becoming disillusioned with the program's direction. The Buffaloes have leaned heavily on the transfer portal under Sanders, bringing dozens of new players into the roster each offseason - a strategy that has created both excitement and instability.

The program has also experienced notable departures, including high-profile transfers, highlighting the ongoing roster turnover.

Deion Sanders record:

• Buffaloes are 16-21

Sanders, meanwhile, has maintained strong backing from fans and recruits, largely due to his national profile and ability to attract attention to a once-struggling program. The team's 2024 success demonstrated potential, but inconsistency has fueled debate about whether the approach can produce sustained winning seasons.

For now, the criticism adds another storyline heading into the 2026 college football season. Supporters see Sanders as a transformative figure who revived interest in Colorado football, while critics like Fauria remain skeptical.

Whether the Buffaloes deliver victories or more headlines may ultimately decide which side wins the argument - and whether the program's rebuilding era is remembered for hype or results.