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Colorado Announces Unexpected Retirement Before College Football Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Aug 26, 2025 3:45 PM ET

Deion Sanders returns for his third season as Colorado’s head coach after an Alamo Bowl loss in 2024. For the first time in his tenure, the Buffaloes will be without quarterback Shedeur Sanders, his son, and star Travis Hunter. Still, Sanders appears to have found his quarterback of the future in Kaidon Salter.

Salter will make his Colorado debut on Saturday when the Buffaloes host Georgia Tech. But on Tuesday, just days before the game, the school announced a retirement few saw coming.

Colorado's Ralphie VI Retires

On Colorado's official website, it revealed that the iconic live buffalo, Ralphie VI or "Ember," has retired after serving the school for four years. Ralphie VI will now join her predecessor, Ralphie V, on a ranch. The Buffaloes provided an explanation for Ralphie VI's retirement as well.

"Due to an indifference to running, typical of many mammals both four-legged and two-legged, it was determined that it was in Ember's best interest, based on her disposition, to focus on relaxing strolls on the pasture, which is her favorite hobby."

The school also revealed that it has a succession plan in place for the buffalo, but has no timeline for Ralphie VII's debut.

"Ember has been excellent in many aspects of her role as Ralphie, but she's happiest relaxing on the ranch and we want to be respectful of her wishes," the Director of the Ralphie Live Mascot Program said. "She will continue to get the same top level of love and care that all of our Ralphies receive and will enjoy socializing with Ralphie V."

Ralphie has been a Colorado tradition since Sept. 16, 1967, when Ralphie I made their debut run. Every Ralphie has appeared in at least 50 games, with the lone exception of Ralphie VI, who ran just 18. “Ember” made her first run on Sept. 3, 2021, when Colorado defeated Northern Colorado 35-7. Her final run before retirement was in San Antonio for last season's Alamo Bowl.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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