In an era when many top college football players who are about to turn pro opt out of playing in bowl games, it was somewhat surprising when Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders insisted that his two biggest stars — Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders — would play in the Alamo Bowl against BYU on Dec. 28.

As it turns out, Colorado has taken out large insurance policies for the players to protect them in the event either of them gets hurt during the game.

On Monday night during a press conference at the bowl site in San Antonio, Deion Sanders and Buffaloes athletic director Rick George explained their decision.

George said it was coach Sanders’ idea to take out the insurance policies for Hunter and his son, as the two are widely projected to be among the first few players taken in the 2025 NFL Draft next April.

“It was his idea that we should get disability insurance for our student-athletes for this game to ensure that … if there was some kind of injury, that they’d be well taken care of, and so we worked together on that,” George said. “We’re excited about it. We think it’s great that all of our players are playing in the game, and that’s what all bowl games should be like.”

George and Deion Sanders said the policies for the two players are believed to be the highest ever for college football players.

“We’re just thankful that Rick as well as the administration at CU has put its money where its mouth is,” Deion Sanders said.

Added George regarding Deion Sanders: “He felt it was important for our student-athletes, for all of them to play. He encouraged that. It’s a testament to him getting out there in front of his guys and saying, ‘We want you to play,’ and we did this because we want to make sure that these guys are covered, so we’re excited about it and it’s gonna be one heck of a game and you’re gonna see everybody on our roster, so it’s gonna be a great game Saturday.”

Kickoff for the Alamo Bowl is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. MST Saturday.