Deion Sanders took a moment to honor Peggy Coppom, the 99-year-old Colorado Buffaloes superfan, after their win over Cincinnati that secured Colorado bowl eligibility for the first time since 2016. Despite her age, Peggy is a fixture at Colorado games, bringing unmatched enthusiasm and love for the program. Unfortunately she missed the game due to illness, as Sanders explained: “Peggy is currently battling Covid. We wanted to show her love and appreciation and give her the game ball.”

To show her how much she means to the program, Sanders and Colorado Athletic Director Rick George contacted Peggy by phone to express their gratitude and present her with the game ball virtually. “Rick was kind enough to call her and she answered on the first ring in Peggy style, with a lot of energy and the 'umph' that she has,” Sanders noted. Her call reinforced how deeply Peggy's presence resonates with the team. Sanders shared that they assured Peggy that she would attend a bowl game, adding that it would be the “best bowl game she could ever go to.”

This special moment reflects how Sanders, known for building relationships beyond football, values ​​loyalty and fan support. Peggy Coppom, who has lived through nearly a century of Colorado football, holds a unique place in the hearts of Sanders and the players. The team sensed that she was out due to Covid, but they remain hopeful that she will recover in time to be a part of their bowl game experience.

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Sanders even hinted at arranging special travel accommodations, humorously remarking, “We’re not putting Peggy on the regular plane. I can promise you that.” This gesture shows the team’s deep respect and care for Peggy, who represents the history and spirit of the Buffaloes. With Colorado now eligible to bowl, Sanders and the team look forward to personally honoring their superfan in hopes that she can join in the celebration that their unwavering support helped create. This season's success in Boulder is not only a milestone for the team, but also a testament to the community and dedicated fans like Peggy.