You’d be hard-pressed to find a more beloved CU Buff than Charlie Offerdahl.
The Littleton native, who worked his way from walk-on to scholarship player and fan favorite, announced Tuesday that he’s retiring from football due to concussion concerns.
Colorado RB Charlie Offerdahl announces that he is stepping away from Football due to a serious concussion he sustained.
— GUCCE🦬🐦⬛ (@gucceCU) July 29, 2025
Coach Prime has elected to continue to aid Offerdahl a scholarship❤️
🎥@DeionSanders pic.twitter.com/6CWRyPmQWF
It’s the kind of news that hits Buff Nation in the heart because we’re saying goodbye to the kind of player every team hopes to have.
In a video shared on Coach Prime’s Instagram, Offerdahl addressed the team with calm courage and a touch of sadness.
“I haven’t been here this summer,” he said. “It’s probably obvious now that I won’t be coming back. The seriousness of this last concussion and how many I’ve had is scary—for me and my family.”
Offerdahl made the choice with wisdom and humility, the same way he played the game. And true to form, Coach Prime made sure he wasn’t walking away empty-handed.
“I love this man to life,” Sanders said. “We’re going to keep his scholarship. We’re going to help him get into dental school. If there’s somebody out there who can help, we need you.”
Coach Prime didn’t stop there. He got emotional. And when Deion Sanders gets emotional, you stop and listen.
“I wish to God we had 11 players with what Charlie’s got inside him. That heart. That character. That consistency. Running backs, you hear me—Charlie never had a bad day.”
Offerdahl’s story is one Buffs fans have cherished. He was the 2021 Special Teams Scout Player of the Year. He ran for 150 yards on a one-win team in 2022—the most ever by a CU walk-on.
He got his scholarship and capped it all off by scoring a touchdown against Utah in his final season.
Now, he’s aiming for a different dream: dental school.
And if we know anything about Charlie, he’ll attack it like he did every carry—head down, heart full, and not looking for the spotlight.
With Offerdahl stepping away, CU’s running back room now leans on Micah Welch, Dallan Hayden, and transfers Simeon Price and DeKalon Taylor. NFL Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk will coach them up, but don’t be surprised if Charlie’s spirit sticks around that room.
Because once a Buff, always a Buff.
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