After a four-year run as the proud mascot of the Colorado Buffaloes’ football team, Ralphie VI is riding off into the sunset.
The Colorado Buffaloes have featured a live mascot (a real bison) since 1965, with Ralphie VI taking over the reins in 2021. But after just four years, Ralphie VI (nicknamed “Ember”) is ready to enjoy the golden years.
Just three days ahead of the season opener against Georgia Tech, the Buffaloes announced that Ralphie VI is retiring because of “an indifference to running.”
More from the official press release:
“The University of Colorado’s iconic live buffalo Ralphie VI, nicknamed “Ember,” is retiring after four years of service as college football’s greatest mascot.
Ember will now transition to a companion buffalo role, living with Ralphie V on their ranch. Due to an indifference to running, typical of many mammals both four-legged and two-legged, it was determined that it was in Ember’s best interest, based on her disposition, to focus on relaxing strolls on the pasture, which is her favorite hobby.”
Taylor Stratton, the Director of the Ralphie Live Mascot Program, shared the following statement on Ember’s retirement:
“Ember has been excellent in many aspects of her role as Ralphie, but she’s happiest relaxing on the ranch and we want to be respectful of her wishes. She will continue to get the same top level of love and care that all of our Ralphies receive and will enjoy socializing with Ralphie V.”
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The Colorado Buffaloes noted that they’ve been working on Ember’s successor, and more details are coming on Ralphie VII.
Deion Sanders’ group will look a lot different when they take the field on Friday. Shedeur Sanders, the starting quarterback in 2023 and 2024, is now a member of the Cleveland Browns. Travis Hunter, who won the Heisman Trophy last year, was drafted second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Colorado Buffaloes Look To Build Off Surprisingly Successful 2024 Campaign
The Buffaloes jumped out to a surprising 3-0 start in 2023, only to unravel with losses over eight of their final nine games, including a season-ending six-game losing streak.
But Coach Prime did a much better job in year two at the helm, leading Colorado to an 8-4 regular season record that included a 52-0 blowout win over Oklahoma State. The season ended with a 36-14 loss to BYU in the Alamo Bowl, but it was still a major step forward for the football program.
In March, the Buffaloes and Sanders agreed to a mammoth five-year contract extension worth $54 million. Now we wait and see if Sanders can sustain the winning ways without Sanders and Hunter.
After hosting Georgia Tech in the season opener on Friday night, the Colorado Buffaloes will wrap up a mini two-game homestand against Delaware on Sept. 6.
