When Colorado Buffaloes safety Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig announced via Instagram that he was declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft, head coach Deion Sanders wasted no time expressing his feelings. Sanders, known for his charisma and sharp insight, kept it short and sweet, commenting on Silmon-Craig’s Instagram post with just two words: “My dawg.”
Those two words carried weight. They weren’t just an acknowledgment of Silmon-Craig’s big news — they were a heartfelt nod to the player who had been a driving force behind Colorado’s defensive resurgence.
Sanders’ reaction summed up what fans, teammates, and coaches had come to know about Silmon-Craig: He was the embodiment of grit, determination, and leadership.
A Cornerstone of Colorado’s Defensive Turnaround
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Colorado entered the 2024 season with something to prove. After a challenging 4-8 2023 campaign, Sanders was determined to put his stamp on the program in his second year as head coach. Silmon-Craig, who had followed Sanders from Jackson State, played a pivotal role in the team’s transformation.
By the end of the season, Colorado had improved to a 9-4 record, with its defense serving as the backbone of that success. Silmon-Craig, anchoring the secondary, was a one-man highlight reel. From critical interceptions to bone-crunching tackles, he brought the energy and playmaking ability that Sanders demands from his players.
Silmon-Craig finished his Buffs career with 138 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, three sacks, four interceptions (for 21 yards), five passes defensed, and three fumbles recovered (for 95 yards). A 93-yard fumble recovery touchdown versus UCF in Week 5 highlighted his senior season.
Bond Between Deion Sanders and Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig
Sanders’ Instagram reaction wasn’t just coach-speak, it was deeply personal. The relationship between Sanders and Silmon-Craig dates back to their time at Jackson State, where the safety quickly earned Coach Prime’s trust and admiration.
In Boulder, Silmon-Craig became the quintessential “Coach Prime” player: Talented, disciplined, and a natural leader. His football IQ and relentless work ethic made him the coach’s go-to guy on the field, while his character and swagger resonated in the locker room.
When Sanders calls someone “my dawg,” it’s not just a compliment — it’s a badge of honor. For Silmon-Craig, it symbolized his role in helping Sanders build a winning culture in Colorado.
Silmon-Craig Declaring for 2025 NFL Draft Leaves Massive Void for Colorado
With Silmon-Craig declaring for the NFL Draft, along with teammates quarterback Shedeur Sanders and fellow defender and Heisman Trophy-winner Travis Hunter, the Buffaloes have a massive void to fill in their secondary.
Silmon-Craig’s departure leaves behind big shoes to fill, but his impact on the program is undeniable. He helped elevate Colorado from a struggling team to one of the most improved programs in the Big 12.
Sanders’ reaction captured the essence of what Silmon-Craig meant to Colorado’s defense in 2024. “My dawg” wasn’t just a casual comment; it was a statement about loyalty, leadership, and excellence.
As Silmon-Craig prepares for the next step in his football journey, Buffaloes fans can find solace in knowing his contributions have set the stage for future success under Coach Prime. For now, all of Colorado — and especially Sanders — can proudly echo those two simple words: “My dawg.”