Who says fatherhood belongs to just one man? Coach Prime lives it every day with his players. From supporting Travis Hunter through the public turmoil of his relationship with Leanna Lenne to being a pillar for Jimmy Horn Jr. during his father’s incarceration, Prime provides unwavering support. Now, his RB is also feeling that same love, having emotionally bid farewell to his teammates after retiring due to health issues. Through the tears and tough news, their bond remains strong. Prime isn’t just coaching football in Boulder; he’s forging a family that lasts far beyond the field.

So, who’s this kid? It’s Charlie Offerdahl whose connection with Coach Prime goes beyond football. Upon announcing his retirement due to a concerning concussion history, the Colorado RB looked Prime in the eye and expressed his gratitude: “Coach Prime, I love you, coach,” Offerdahl said. “When you first came here, you believed in me when nobody else did, not even myself, and I can’t thank you enough for that.” Despite his own cancer battle, Prime didn’t just nod; he hugged him, shared the moment online, and promised to maintain his scholarship while supporting his dental school aspirations.

And that impact is still intact on Charlie Offerdahl’s heart. As Coach Prime wasn’t just a man calling plays to him but a “father figure” who guided him through his tough times and his success. So when CBS Colorado’s sports anchor Romi Bean asked him, “What does Coach Prime mean to you?” Offerdahl didn’t think twice before hitting her up with a straight answer: “You know, I’ve always told other people that he’s like a second father figure in my life. You know, he’s taught all of us so many life lessons, you know, the morals and ethics, how to be a good man on and off the field, in the classroom.” So, when Deion Sanders says that he loves his players like his own son, he doesn’t bluff.

Now, Offerdahl isn’t just walking away with a success story, but he’s an ‘O.B.’ (‘Original Buff’) in Sanders’ words. And his records show that. Joining the Buffs in 2022, prior to Coach Prime’s arrival, he earned the moniker ‘Often Ball’ and progressed from local Dakota Ridge High star to scholarship athlete. His 150 rushing yards during CU’s 1-11 freshman season remain the most by a walk-on in school history. Over 33 games, he accumulated 280 rushing yards, one touchdown, and a 4.3 YPC average.

So, now that he’s moving on to dental school, he’s quipping, “If in six or seven years, if any of you guys need some grillz, you know where to come.” Sanders, seemingly tearful, smiled as the room applauded. This retirement announcement follows Sanders’ revelation that doctors removed his bladder in May due to an aggressive cancerous tumor—a battle he credits God with helping him overcome. “When we see that ‘C’ word, there’s usually a life sentence attached to it. Not this time, because God got me.”

Well, all that learning and hustle will now help him grind in dental school.

Charlie Offerdahl applies Coach Prime’s lesson to his new journey

Well, Coach Prime may be losing a running back, but he’s gaining a future dentist. Charlie Offerdahl is trading the gridiron for dental school, believing his time at Colorado has prepared him well. Football instilled in him hard work, consistency, and perseverance—lessons he’s eager to apply to his studies. While he acknowledges the demands of a medical career, Charlie feels his experience has equipped him with the right mindset.

Even he admits the work ethic he developed in Boulder will ease the transition as he swaps touchdowns for teeth. “I think playing football is going to set me up well for dental school. You know, I’ve always learned that hard work is the key to success and consistency as well. But you know, dental school is going to be a lot more hard work, too. And I’m ready for it, but I’m excited,” he said.

But Charlie’s ambitions stretch beyond dental school; his passion for football remains strong. Asked by Romi Bean if he envisions himself as “Coach Charlie” in the future, he responded with an immediate and firm “Yes.” This wasn’t a casual reply but a declaration rooted in years of dedication. He even imagines coaching his own children, drawing inspiration from his father and Coach Prime’s guidance of Shilo and Shedeur. Though retired from playing, Charlie emphasizes that football will forever be a part of him.

Now, with that aspiration and zeal in his mind, Charlie Offerdahl is heading towards the new chapter of his life.