Op-Ed: Colorado needs to move past "hater" narrative and embrace respect

The Buffs went from pretender to contender with a few wins to silence the naysayers

Stephen Garcia/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The concept of it's "perfect" or "trash" has become increasingly prevalent in our culture, particularly in how we consume entertainment. This binary view has seeped into movies, television, music, and sports, pushing audiences to view outcomes as either monumental successes or complete failures, with little room for nuance. In sports, especially, has become susceptible to this mentality, where fans and analysts often label teams as either champions or unworthy contenders. This perspective overlooks the complexities of growth and development in sports. No team or player remains the same throughout their journey, and progression is a critical part of their story. A team like Colorado, for example, has undergone significant changes over recent years, and the expectation that they would instantly dominate under Coach Prime was unrealistic.

This “winner vs. loser” mentality creates additional challenges across the board. The issue is compounded by the term "hater," a word that is now frequently used to dismiss opposing views without consideration. Originally, "hater" implied someone driven by irrational jealousy or negativity toward a person or organization. But in today’s discourse, the term has morphed into a catch-all for any disagreement or critique. This misapplication is particularly evident in sports conversations, where fans quickly label any dissenting opinion as "hate" rather than engaging in thoughtful discussion. This trend is especially noticeable among Colorado Buffaloes fans, who often use the term to counter criticism, even when that criticism might be based on fair assessment rather than envy or malice.

The conversations have become increasingly polarized due to the misuse of the term "hater." Take, for instance, a hypothetical debate between Colorado and Miami fans over the Heisman Trophy. A Miami fan might advocate for Cam Ward, while a Colorado fan might support Travis Hunter. In this scenario, it's easy for either fan to accuse the other of being a "hater," despite both players having legitimate claims to the award. The issue here isn't a deep-seated jealousy but rather an inability to accept differing viewpoints. The term has thus evolved into a lazy response to disagreement, a way for individuals to defend their position without offering a convincing argument.

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In Colorado’s case, the frequent use of it by fans and media has created a distorted view of public opinion. There's an assumption that a vast number of people are against Colorado and Coach Prime, when in reality, only a small percentage of fans hold genuine animosity toward the team. Social media and cable television amplify these voices, giving the impression that negative opinions are more widespread than they truly are. This phenomenon is not unique to Colorado; it’s a common effect of the media's focus on sensationalism to drive viewership. Major networks are concerned with ratings and engagement, and thus, often highlight polarizing opinions to capture attention. This creates an illusion of widespread negativity, even if the majority of fans are simply rooting for their own teams.

If we were to break down the college football fanbase into a pie chart, the majority of fans would fall into three categories: those who actively root for Colorado, those who support other teams, and a small minority who genuinely dislike Colorado or Coach Prime. The idea that Colorado faces overwhelming opposition is largely a product of media narratives and social media. Many fans prioritize their teams and their conferences, rather than actively rooting against Colorado. A fan of an SEC team is more likely to support their own team over any other, including Colorado. This preference doesn’t make them a "hater"; it simply reflects their loyalty.

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The term thus serves as a convenient but misguided defense mechanism for fans who feel unable to sway others to their viewpoint. In sports media, certain personalities are known for their strong opinions, sometimes resisting new perspectives or being slow to admit they were wrong. National analysts like Skip Bayless and Colin Cowherd have built careers on bold, often controversial takes, some of which they stubbornly defend even when evidence suggests otherwise. This approach, while sometimes frustrating for fans, is part of what makes sports media dynamic. Analysts have their biases, but these biases don't represent the entire fanbase. The views of individual commentators should not be mistaken for widespread opposition.

Colorado and Coach Prime have become lightning rods for attention in the sports world, largely due to the unique style and approach. Sanders has brought a level of attention to Colorado that few could have anticipated, and with that attention comes scrutiny. During the team's first season under Sanders, fans and analysts alike questioned whether Colorado could compete at a high level. This skepticism was not necessarily based on hate but rather on the understanding that building a competitive team takes time. However, as Colorado began winning games, many of these initial skeptics changed their tune, recognizing the progress that Sanders and his team had made.

Winning, as they say, silences critics, and Colorado’s victories have done just that. The skepticism that once surrounded the team has gradually faded, replaced by a growing appreciation for what Sanders and his players have accomplished. The few remaining critics are now outliers, and the voices in support of Colorado have become much louder. A quick look at sports media shows that many analysts who were initially doubtful have now come around, praising Colorado for their resilience and determination. Other personalities like Joel Klatt, Josh Pate, and even Greg McElroy have shifted to a more favorable view of the team, acknowledging the legitimacy of Colorado’s progress.

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Yet, despite the dwindling number of detractors, the narrative of having "haters" persists within Colorado’s fanbase and even among some players and coaches. This mentality, while initially useful as a source of motivation, has now become a limiting factor. The constant emphasis on proving "haters" wrong distracts from the team's actual achievements and the respect they have earned. Winning is the ultimate response to criticism, and Colorado has proven themselves on the field. Continuing to focus on perceived detractors only serves to perpetuate a divisive mindset, rather than embracing the recognition that comes with success.

It’s time for Colorado to move beyond the "hater" narrative and embrace their position as a respected competitor in college football. The voices of opposition have largely faded, replaced by admiration for the team’s accomplishments. When Colorado defeated Texas Tech in a decisive victory, they proved that they belong among the top contenders. They no longer need to concern themselves with detractors because their performance speaks for itself. In the world of sports, victories are the ultimate rebuttal, and Colorado’s record is proof of their growth and potential.

The reality is that Colorado’s "hater problem" is mostly a self-imposed narrative. By fixating on detractors, they risk overlooking the support and admiration they have gained. It’s a common phenomenon in sports to see teams use the "us against the world" mentality as motivation, but at a certain point, that mindset can become counterproductive. Colorado has already won over many of their initial skeptics, and continuing to focus on a small number of detractors only detracts from their achievements.

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In the end, the Colorado Buffaloes don’t have a hater problem—they have a perception problem. The narrative of "haters" served its purpose as a rallying cry, but it’s time to leave it behind. Coach Prime and his players have proven themselves on the field, and they no longer need to define their success by the opinions of a vocal minority. The true measure of their success is in their record, their resilience, and their ability to overcome challenges. By focusing on their growth and accomplishments, rather than perceived slights, Colorado can continue to build on their success and establish themselves as a formidable presence in college football.

As they look forward to future games and potential championships, the Buffaloes have the opportunity to solidify their legacy without relying on the "hater" narrative. They have earned their place among college football’s elite, and they no longer need to seek validation from critics. The best response to any remaining doubters is to keep winning, to keep improving, and to let their performance speak for itself. Colorado’s journey under Coach Prime is just beginning, and by focusing on their own path, they can rise above the noise and continue to make history.