How Colorado HC Deion Sanders is trying to protect stars' futures before Alamo Bowl

"We happen to have two players that are probably gonna be the first two picks of the NFL Draft," Sanders said, per DNVR Sports Ryan Koenigsberg. "And they have received, I think, the highest number of coverage that has ever been covered in college football ... It far exceeds anyone [who] has played this game of college football." 

In a piece published Tuesday, a Colorado spokesperson told Front Office Sports' Dennis Young the Buffaloes gave other players insurance policies. The source didn't reveal the cost, benefits or whether they cover disability, critical injury or loss of value. 

Still, playing in the bowl game carries risk for Shedeur and Hunter.

Shedeur ranks third in the FBS in touchdown passes (35) through 12 starts. Meanwhile, Hunter — the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner — is second in TD catches (14 in 12 games) and tied for 10th in passes defended (11). 

In Tankathon's latest mock draft, the New York Giants (2-13) take Shedeur with the No. 1 pick, and the New England Patriots (3-12) select Hunter with the No. 2 pick. 

After the Chicago Bears drafted QB Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in 2024, he signed a fully guaranteed four-year, $39.4M deal.

The NFL has yet to reveal its 2025 salary cap, but if Shedeur or Hunter is the No. 1 pick in April, their deals would be similar to Williams'.

Sanders may think the record insurance policies will encourage more stars to play in bowl games, but this will probably not lead to significant changes. 

Most college coaches don't have the same influence as the Pro Football Hall of Famer, and top prospects who suffer injuries could still potentially lose millions.