Colorado University Athletics
Former Buffs Greats Graham, Bannan Address Team
August 11, 2016 | Football, Alumni C Club, Neill Woelk
Ex-CU stars challenge Buffs to be accountable, play together
BOULDER — It's not every day that Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre allows someone to address the entire team after practice.
But when guests at practice have a background like two of the men at Thursday's CU workout, it's an easy decision — especially when their message is one that resonates so well with players.
Thursday morning, former CU teammates Daniel Graham and Justin Bannan (starters on CU's 2001 Big 12 championship team) took a moment to talk to the current Buffs — and they clearly had the full attention of the entire team.
Their message was simple yet powerful.
"It's about you guys and this locker room," said Graham, the 2001 Mackey Award winner and a unanimous All-American tight end selection. "It's about being one in the locker room. It's about coming out here to practice every day and being one on the field. What you guys do is going to change the direction of this program — if you do your job."
Graham, a first-round draft pick who went on to enjoy an 11-year NFL career, now makes his home in Denver and has kept a close eye on the Buffs. Last year, he returned to CU and completed his degreee.
Graham challenged the Buffs to be accountable every day, every play.
"Do your job so your teammates can depend on you," Graham told the players. "You have to be one. You guys are the ones that get this thing turned around if you do your job every day and hold yourself accountable every day."
Bannan, an all-Big 12 defensive tackle and fifth-round pick of the Buffalo Bills, played 12 years in the NFL for five different teams. But, he told the Buffs, his most memorable moments came in a CU uniform.
"You guys are all brothers," Bannan said. "You know what I'm most proud of? My time right year. I played 12 year in the NFL, but I'm most proud of what I did right here at Colorado. This is what I'll remember."
Bannan, who also lives in the area and recently started a Boulder-based business, also challenged the Buffs to make the upcoming season a special one.
"Play one play at a time," Bannan said. "Live in the moment. Don't worry about the future. Just concentrate on being your best on the next play."
Both players also emphasized the lifelong bond that comes with playing college football.
"This is family," Bannan said. "I'm proud of you guys and proud to be here talking to you. Enjoy these moments — you'll remember them forever. Make it worth remembering. You are part of this brotherhood, the guys that wear the black and gold for life. Make it special."
CU senior Chidobe Awuzie said the message from both players hit home with the current players.
"Anytime Coach MacIntyre lets somebody talk to the team, we're definitely going to listen," Awuzie said. "These two guys were definitely special players here in their careers as Colorado Buffaloes. We really appreciate what they said to us, and hopefully we stick to it. It definitely gives us a little more motivation."
Contact: Neill.Woelk@Colorado.edu
