Brayton Wins Buffalo Heart Award

Nov. 16, 2002

Boulder, Colo. - Senior DT Tyler Brayton was the 2002 receipient of the Buffalo Heart Award, given by the fans and based on the merit of heart, desire, determinatino and grit throughout the 2002 season. Brayton is the fifth receipient of the award and joins Darrin Chiaverini (1998), Mike Moschetti (1999), Eric McCready (2000) and Cortlen Johnson (2000) as winners of the award.

More on the Award:
The Buffalo Heart Award is an award that originated from a group of fans in section 119 (behind the bench) three years ago. It is given to the Colorado football player who the fans feel has played with the most HEART, DESIRE, DETERMINATION, and GRIT throughout the football season. For the last three years, the founders did an informal poll of many people attending the games to determine the winners. Last season, a booth was set up next to the stadium before and after the Missouri game in order that the fans got a chance to vote. In coming year's, the founders would like to broaden the base and give all CU fans who attend the games regularly (season ticket holders and others), an opportunity to have a voice. The founders don't want this to be popularity contest or a Most Valuable Player award but rather an award given on the specific traits: HEART, DESIRE, DETERMINATION, and GRIT. Any CU football player on the current year roster is eligible.

This award was established because the founders realized that the vast majority of CU Fans love their football team no matter what their record or accomplishments. They wanted to give the fans a voice, to show their appreciation for all of the CU players and in particular to a player who best exemplifies what this award represents. The award is also a symbol of the fans appreciation of the HEART, DESIRE, DETERMINATION, and GRIT that most football players give for the team and the fans throughout the season and long off-season.

The fans will give this award annually at the last home game where the seniors are honored. We would like to present the award to the player on the sidelines (behind the bench) after the game. The founders want this award to start a fan tradition. They have previously talked to the football program for their approval and to ensure that the award is monitored. In the future, the fans hope this will be an award that all CU fans will be proud of and that every CU Football player will covet.

Past Winners:
1998 -- Darrin Chiaverini
1999 -- Mike Moschetti
2000 -- Eric McCready
2001 -- Cortlen Johnson
2002 -- Tyler Brayton