The History Behind the Award
The Buffalo Heart Award is an award that originated from a group of fans in section 119, behind the bench. 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. The founders started with an informal poll of people attending the games to determine the winners. In the past, a booth was set up next to the stadium before and after games to give fans the chance to vote. The award is not meant to be a 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 years’ roster is eligible.
Fan Favorite
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 football players that give their heart for the team and the fans throughout the season and also during the off-season.
Tradition
The fans will give this award annually at the last home game where the seniors are honored. The award is presented to the player on the sidelines of the field, behind the bench, where the original founders of the award had their season tickets. The award has become a tradition spanning more than 35 years. The Buffalo Heart Award has become an honor that CU fans and players are proud of and that all CU Football players covet.