Colorado Buffaloes running back Charlie Offerdahl is hanging up his cleats due to repeated concussions. Offerdahl informed the team of his decision during a recent team meeting.
Offerdahl’s speech to his teammates and head coach Deion Sanders were shared on Sanders’ Instagram page on Tuesday.
In the video, Sanders invited Offerdahl to address the team on his status. A portion of Offerdahl’s comments read:
“Obviously, I haven’t been here this summer. If it’s not obvious already, I won’t be coming back this year. You know, just how serious this last concussion was, and how many I’ve had leading up to it, it was pretty scary for me and my family. I will be hanging it up.
“I just wanted to take this time to let everybody know here, and thank you guys, thank the coaching staff, thank the staff. The players, I love you guys. How much you guys have done for me, my football career and becoming a young man.”
Offerdahl then thanked Sanders for believing in him “when nobody else did.”
Offerdahl called it a “really tough decision” considering he’s played football since third grade. He added that he’s enrolling in dental school and plans to take that up as a career.
Sanders then announced that, although Offerdahl is stepping away from football, the team will still keep him on a scholarship to help him out.
Offerdahl spent three seasons with the Buffaloes. He gained 150 rushing yards on 37 carries during his freshman season at the school. Last season, Offerdahl was recognized as a leader on the team and played in all 13 games. He scored his first career touchdown against Utah in a 49-24 win.
Offerdahl’s announcement comes a day after Sanders revealed a bladder cancer diagnosis. Sanders had his bladder removed during the offseason, and claimed he was “cured” following that procedure. He said he intends to once again coach at Colorado this season.
