It’s rare these days to find an offensive lineman who can command headlines like a quarterback or a star receiver. But for one towering figure in Boulder, the impact wasn’t just in the trenches; it was in the culture. In a season where the No. 4 Colorado Buffaloes (9-4) made a noise under Deion Sanders, one player stood tall—literally and figuratively. The Buffs lost 41 players to the portal, who started trash talk right after; the senior became the glue that held their offense—and their locker room—together.

By now, everyone knows about the Buffaloes’ flashy resurgence under Coach Prime. They finished the 2024 season with an impressive 7-2 mark in Big 12 play, a leap that felt almost unthinkable just two seasons ago. But beneath the headlines about Shedeur Sanders slinging touchdowns and Colorado climbing the rankings, there was Justin Mayers, a 6-foot-4, 320-pound transfer from UTEP, quietly doing what an OL does best: keeping chaos at bay. While the spotlight often fell on the skill positions, Mayers was the unsung hero who made it all possible, earning his spot as Shedeur’s most trusted guardian.

Now, with the 2024 season in the rearview mirror, Justin Mayers is making his next big move. The lineman announced his decision to declare for the NFL Draft after showcasing his skills in the postseason Hula Bowl. In an Instagram post that oozed ambition and gratitude, he wrote, “Ambition is priceless, it’s something that’s in your veins,” while thanking the Buffaloes’ staff, fans, and coach Sanders for the opportunity to be part of something special. “Thank you for embracing me into the Buff family, providing opportunities, and allowing me to complete my education,” he said, a nod to the dual role Colorado played in his athletic and personal development.

#66’s time in Boulder may have been brief, but it was impactful in ways that went beyond just football. When former Colorado players who had entered the transfer portal took to social media to trash the program, tensions hit a boiling point. Even Shedeur Sanders, who is usually as cool as they come, fired back with a savage dig that sent shockwaves through Buff Nation. But it was Mayers who stepped into the firestorm, offering not just his protection on the field but also his voice off it. “Protect 2 and help this team make it to a championship,” he once said. He executed with precision and pride throughout the season.

Mayers’ path to the draft wasn’t a straight line. A sixth-year senior who spent five seasons with the Miners, he brought both experience and grit to Boulder, earning his keep at left guard and starting every game during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. His ability to adapt quickly to the Buffs’ system was a testament not just to his skill but to his work ethic, something that will undoubtedly make him a coveted asset at the next level. With offensive linemen increasingly valued in today’s NFL for their versatility and durability, Mayers’ stock is poised to rise.

And while the Buffs may continue to face challenges in retaining talent, Mayers’ legacy serves as a reminder that the right players can make all the difference, even if their time is short.

Justin Mayers swore to protect his QB before anything

Before backing up his QB1 on social media to make way against the former hecklers, the OL already had it as his primary objective. The Buffaloes’ offensive line had a tough go in 2023, finishing a 4-8 season with one glaring stat: Shedeur Sanders was the most-sacked quarterback in the nation. Enter sixth-year senior and UTEP transfer, Justin Mayers, who’s ready to rewrite the script for CU’s front line and give Sanders some much-needed breathing room.

“We all know why we’re here,” Mayers told BuffZone. “It’s a job. CU is an amazing place, and it’s good to enjoy the experience, but at the end of the day, we’re here to put in work. The mission is clear: protect No. 2 (Shedeur Sanders), help this team win a championship, and get us to a bowl game because that’s exactly what we’re capable of.”

So, his bodyguarding Sanders wasn’t the first time.