Wyoming's Buck Coors Announces Retirement From Football

LARAMIE -- Buck Coors never considered himself unlucky.

Despite suffering numerous injuries during his four-year career, which led to six surgeries, Wyoming's sophomore nickelback always kept things in perspective.

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"I just love playing," the Loveland, Colo., product said back in September. "I still love being on the field and getting to hit people and all that kind of stuff. You can't really do that anywhere else. So, if broken bones come, that's just part of it, I guess."

Coors announced Tuesday that his playing days are over after obtaining his degree, he penned in a thoughtful social media post.

"I would not change one thing about my time in Wyoming," he wrote on Instagram. "My teammates and coaches have impacted my life in countless ways. The lifelong friendships and memories made becoming a Cowboy the second best decision of my life.

"The best, however, was giving my life to Christ. His sovereignty was evident throughout my college journey. He taught me that fulfillment and joy come in seeking His glory rather than my own. Therefore, I count the injuries and obstacles a blessing because they brought me closer to God than success would have. I can't wait to see where He leads me next."

Coors earned the first start of his Wyoming career in the team's home finale against Hawaii. He registered a season-high four tackles in a 42-9 rout of the Rainbow Warriors. He also tallied one stop in the Cowboys 16-15 victory over Toledo in the Arizona Bowl.

After redshirting in 2020, the 5-foot-11, 191-pound former walk-on appeared in three games the following season. That's when the injury bug bit. Coors suffered a laundry list of ailments, including a broken forearm, a wrist and his thumb -- twice. Before the 2022 campaign, Coors broke his left ankle. Three ligaments were also snapped after his cleat got caught in the turf during fall camp.

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Early indications were he would miss at least six months. He received a second opinion. That doctor said he could possibly return in eight weeks.

Neither happened.

"He was on a mission," Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl said last fall. "He was in my ear (saying), 'I can be doing this, I can be doing this, the doctor said I can be doing this and that.'"

Coors only missed eight games. He appeared in the Cowboys final five games of the season and capped this season with three tackles.

Another year, another training camp setback.

Screws, bolts and plates were inserted into his hand -- his left, just like all the other surgeries -- after suffering a freak injury just two weeks before the season. He got tangled up with a receiver and landed wrong, rolling his hand into the turf inside War Memorial Stadium.

"Right in here, these two broke," Coors said, referring to the metacarpal bones between his pointer and middle finger. "I have two plates in there."

Again Coors returned to the field ahead of schedule, appearing in 11 games, according to the school's website. He racked up 10 total tackles in what would be his final season on the high plains.

"It's just a blessing to get to be out here," Coors said after the Appalachian State game, a 22-19 come-from-behind victory on Sept. 23 in Laramie. "I'm fortunate. I think, you know, this is where God's put me. He's put some obstacles in my way, as well.

"... You know, that's what I love to do. That's why I'm here."