Colorado running back Charlie Offerdahl is retiring from football after several concussions.
On a video posted on head coach Deion Sanders’ Instagram page, Offerdahl informed the team of his decision during a team meeting on Tuesday morning.
“Obviously I haven’t been here this summer,” Offerdahl told the team. “If it’s not obvious already, I won’t be coming back this year. How serious this last concussion was and how many I’ve had leading up to it is pretty scary for me and my family, but I will be hanging it up.”
The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Offerdahl is a senior who had one more year of eligibility. CU, which opens the season Aug. 29 against Georgia Tech at Folsom Field, held its first preseason practice on Tuesday.
“Obviously this is a really tough decision for me because of how much football does mean to me,” said Offerdahl, who rushed for 280 yards in his career. “I’ve been playing it since third grade.”
A graduate of Dakota Ridge High School, Offerdahl came to CU as a walk-on in 2021 and quickly made an impression. He was named the Buffs’ scout team player of the year as a freshman.
In 2022, he had 37 carries for 150 yards, the most ever for a walk-on in CU history.
When head coach Deion Sanders was hired following the 2022 season, there was a major overhaul of the entire roster, but Offerdahl was one of a few players who remained, earning the label of “OBs” – Original Buffs.
Offerdahl played mainly special teams in 2023, but earned a scholarship from Sanders. Last year, he rushed for 119 yards and a touchdown. Sanders was intent on getting Offerdahl his first career touchdown when the Buffs hosted Utah on Nov. 16, and Offerdahl delivered with a four-yard TD during the 49-24 rout of the Utes.
While talking to the team, Offerdahl turned to Sanders and said, “When you first came in, you believed in me when nobody else did, not even myself.”
Offerdahl will remain on scholarship for this year and said he plans to apply for dental school.
With Offerdahl’s departure, the Buffs are down to just four scholarship running backs: seniors Simeon Price and Dekalon Taylor, junior Dallan Hayden and sophomore Micah Welch. Walk-ons Christian Sarem and Titus Bautista are also in the backfield.
Getting started
The Buffs held Tuesday’s practice on the new AstroTurf surface at Folsom Field. It was not a full-contact practice, as the team was in shells, and Sanders was pleased with the effort on the first day.
“Great job of playing with passion and intensity,” Sanders told the team after practice in a video posted on YouTube by Reach The People Media. “I loved every minute of it. You should be proud of yourself.”
Sanders also praised head strength and conditioning coach Andreu Swasey and Swasey’s staff for getting the players ready over the summer.
Sanders then asked each coordinator to highlight a top player on both sides of the ball for Tuesday’s practice. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur singled out guard Kareem Harden, while defensive coordinator Robert Livingston singled out cornerback DJ McKinney.
Key comments on Prime
On Tuesday, Georgia Tech head coach Brent Key gave his thoughts on Sanders, who announced Monday he has battled bladder cancer this summer. Sanders said surgery to remove the bladder has made him cancer free.
“We wish him a full recovery, a speedy recovery,” Key said during a press conference with local media. “I really just admire the courage it takes to come out and talk about that in public and really encourage other people to get themselves checked and tested. It hits home with a lot of people I’m sure.
“We look forward to being on the other sideline (on Aug. 29), but for now, just a terrible situation and I’m glad to see he’s really pushed through it. The grit and toughness that he has, that’s why the team plays the way they do.”
Notable
Sophomore left tackle Jordan Seaton was named to the preseason watch list for the Outland Trophy, which is presented annually to the nation’s best interior lineman. … Cornerback Preston Hodge, who wore No. 24 last year, is now wearing No. 4.
