Buffs4Life is a group of Colorado athletics alumni and coaches committed to helping teammates and coaches in their time of need.
听Since 2005, Buffs4Life has helped dozens of Buffs and families. Now, the group is refocusing its efforts on suicide prevention.
听A network of teammates has been established to help identify issues and lend assistance.
When CU Boulder athletes leave the field and move on to new endeavors, they remain Buffs for life.
That鈥檚 why, for the last 13 years, has helped former CU Boulder athletes in times of need in a variety of ways. Now, the group is refocusing its effort on preventing suicide, a national crisis that affects people from all walks of life.
Life after collegiate sports is not always easy. Since 2004, nine former Buffs have taken their lives. Because no one should have to face hardship alone, Buffs4Life has implemented three important services for Buff letter winners:
There are few bonds as close as teammates...Knowing who needs help and actively reaching out is critical.鈥� 鈥揝ean Tufts, former NFL player and CU football captain
- Buffs4Life dedicated crisis line
- Website to provide resources, articles and videos for Buffs
- Networking program of teammates checking in on teammates along with educational programs for team captains
The Buffs4Life Foundation is dedicated to supporting former CU players and coaches in need.
Sean Tufts, former NFL player and CU football captain, is one of four Buffs4Life team captains who will lead outreach teams to rebuild rosters and connect with former football players. Working with former football coaches and players, Buffs4Life plans to test its new program within the football alumni network before rolling it out to other teams in the CU system.
鈥淭here are few bonds as close as teammates,鈥� Tufts said. 鈥淢aintaining these relationships can still pose a challenge, especially when someone is struggling.听Knowing who needs help and actively reaching out is critical.鈥�
