Colorado University Athletics
Former Buffs Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter Rewrite NFL Licensing Record Books
May 30, 2026 | Football
BOULDER — Before either has completed their first full NFL offseason, former Colorado stars Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter have already made league history.
According to figures disclosed in the NFL Players Association's annual LM-2 filing, Sanders and Hunter received the two largest licensing royalty payouts ever reported by the NFLPA, eclipsing a record previously held by seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady.
Sanders reportedly received more than $17.7 million in NFLPA royalties and player marketing payments between May 2025 and February 2026. Hunter reportedly received more than $12.8 million during the same period.
The previous single-year record was approximately $9.5 million, earned by Brady meaning Sanders and Hunter are the only two players to top $10 million. Â Â
The figures underscore the unprecedented popularity both players achieved during their time at Colorado, where they helped transform the Buffaloes into one of the most-watched programs in college football.
Hunter became the most decorated player in college football history during his 2024 Heisman Trophy-winning campaign. He captured eight major national awards, including six individual trophies, while earning consensus National Player of the Year honors.
Sanders left Colorado as one of the most prolific quarterbacks in school history, shattering over 100 school records and helping lead the Buffaloes' resurgence while becoming one of the most recognizable players in the sport.
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According to figures disclosed in the NFL Players Association's annual LM-2 filing, Sanders and Hunter received the two largest licensing royalty payouts ever reported by the NFLPA, eclipsing a record previously held by seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady.
Sanders reportedly received more than $17.7 million in NFLPA royalties and player marketing payments between May 2025 and February 2026. Hunter reportedly received more than $12.8 million during the same period.
The previous single-year record was approximately $9.5 million, earned by Brady meaning Sanders and Hunter are the only two players to top $10 million. Â Â
The figures underscore the unprecedented popularity both players achieved during their time at Colorado, where they helped transform the Buffaloes into one of the most-watched programs in college football.
Hunter became the most decorated player in college football history during his 2024 Heisman Trophy-winning campaign. He captured eight major national awards, including six individual trophies, while earning consensus National Player of the Year honors.
Sanders left Colorado as one of the most prolific quarterbacks in school history, shattering over 100 school records and helping lead the Buffaloes' resurgence while becoming one of the most recognizable players in the sport.
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