Former Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Sapp, now a senior quality control analyst on defense for the Colorado Buffaloes, has boldly described his unit as having "bullets."
Deion Sanders' first season as head coach in Colorado started off with a bang, but ultimately ended with a 4-8 record, largely due to a porous defense. The Buffaloes need to improve in this area, especially with the jump to the Big 12 Conference, which features great teams all around.
Enter Warren Sapp, a fellow Pro Football Hall of Famer whom Sanders brought onto his staff this season. Sapp is already making headlines with his colorful descriptions of specific units within the squad.
Warren Sapp Likens Colorado Defensive Line to "Bullets
Like "Coach Prime," Sapp has a knack for entertaining the media. He recently described the defensive line as having "bullets," a bold analogy that captures his vision for the unit's versatility and effectiveness.
"We’re a pack," Sapp said. "We’ll be six-deep. … We just mixing and matching. We got bullets. You get shot with a .38 or 9mm, you pick it."
Warren Sapp Likens Colorado Defensive Line to "Bullets
Sapp's NFL legend is indisputable. As a four-time All-Pro and Hall of Famer, he wreaked havoc for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders over his 13-year career. He amassed 96.5 sacks, 578 combined tackles, and 91 tackles for loss in 198 career games.
But Sapp's prowess on the field extended beyond the NFL. He was a beast with the Miami Hurricanes, helping them win the 1991 national championship. In 1994, he was a unanimous All-American selection, ultimately leading the Bucs to select him 12th overall in the 1995 NFL Draft.
Warren Sapp Likens Colorado Defensive Line to "Bullets
Sapp's experience and expertise are invaluable to the Buffaloes. He is working closely with defensive line coach Damione Lewis to prepare the players for the challenges ahead in 2024.
"So, we have a great push-pull relationship. You know, see the game the same way, and just love it," Sapp said of his partnership with Lewis.
With Sapp's guidance and the talent on the defensive line, the Colorado Buffaloes aim to make life miserable for opposing offenses in the upcoming season. They want to be unpredictable and versatile, keeping opposing offensive lines guessing and making them pay for any mistakes.
Only time will tell if Sapp's "bullets" analogy will translate into on-field success, but one thing is for sure: his passion and belief in his players will be infectious. The Colorado Buffaloes defense is poised to make a statement in the Big 12 Conference and beyond, and Sapp's "bullets" will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their quest.
