NFL legend Warren Sapp doesn’t have a shortage of iconic inspiration, it seems. Already surrounded by Coach Prime, one could call him the ‘Cristiano Ronaldo of the trenches’ as he attempts to break the internet like the GOAT. True, Sapp has never been one to do things quietly. Whether it was dominating offensive lines as one of the greatest defensive tackles in NFL history or making his presence felt in the media post-retirement, subtlety has never been his style. But why CR7? We’ll talk about that right after. The former DT has already embraced a crucial coaching role with the Colorado Buffaloes, joining as the pass rush coordinator under head coach Deion Sanders.

Colorado’s prep for their April 19 spring game has been buzzing, with Warren Sapp bringing an energy that mirrors his playing days—intense, aggressive, and all gas, no brakes. He’s hands-on, running drills, getting in players’ faces, and setting the tone for what it means to be dominant at the line of scrimmage. But while he’s busy molding the Buffs’ defense, there’s another layer to his resurgence that has shades of the most famous person on the planet.

Remember when Ronaldo launched his own YouTube channel and, in his signature SUII style, proceeded to obliterate all online engagement records? The biggest athlete in the world giving fans an inside look at his life, training, and philosophy—it was a masterstroke. Sapp may not be playing in front of 80,000 in the Champions League, but he’s about to take a page right out of CR7’s playbook.

The Hall of Famer has officially entered the digital arena. Warren Sapp just launched his own YouTube channel, fittingly named “Coach Sapp,” giving fans a front-row seat to his teachings, philosophy, and personality. The 52-year-old defensive legend took to X to make the announcement, writing, “We’ve started this YouTube for yo to follow Coach Sapp teaching! #LFG #SappNotFishing #SkoBuffs.” If Deion Sanders has “Coach Prime” making waves on Amazon Prime, Sapp is making sure he’s not left out of the media revolution in Boulder. Now, for fans who’ve watched him break down pass-rush technique on TV or deliver legendary soundbites, this is an all-access pass like never before.

And hey, if Ronaldo can set records with his channel, who’s to say Sapp can’t go viral with his own brand of football wisdom? It’s a remarkable comeback for a man who’s had his share of dark days. For all the accolades and dominance he displayed in his playing career, Warren Sapp hit financial rock bottom in 2012 when he filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in South Florida.

The numbers were staggering—he owed $6.7 million to creditors and, even after selling off his assets, was still left with $300,000 in debt. The details of what he had to part with told a story of just how bad things got. A lion-skin rug. A $2,250 watch. And 240 pairs of Air Jordans, collectively valued at just $6,000, a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change. On top of it all, he had unpaid child support and alimony hanging over him. The Hall of Famer, who once lived like a king, had been brought to his knees.

But even financial ruin wasn’t the hardest battle he had to face. Sapp has been open about the effects of football on his health, particularly when it comes to CTE. In a raw and emotional video for The Players’ Tribune, he laid it all bare—how he forgets simple tasks, struggles to remember his grocery list, and even loses track of directions while driving. The weight of the game’s impact on his brain led him to a major decision: “I need help.” In it, he stated that he wants his brain donated for research after he passes.

Yet now, he’s here, speaking with the same fire and passion he once displayed on the field. The energy in his voice isn’t just for show—it’s a testament to the second wind he’s found in coaching.

Warren Sapp Fired Up for CU’s Defense, ‘Who Wants Some of This?’

The Super Bowl XXXVII winner doesn’t do calm. Last year’s addition, the Pro Football Hall of Famer, is bringing the fire, and he’s got one request—more competition. During a spring press conference on Tuesday, Sapp was absolutely buzzing about the idea of Colorado practicing against other teams.

“You made my mouth water. Can I get another color so my boys can just go to work and whoop on them, and we don’t care? Please bring them in here. Who wants some of this?” he said, his energy practically leaping through the microphone. Sapp knows firsthand how joint practices can elevate a defense. Back in his playing days with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he relished the chance to square off against teams like Washington, Miami, and Jacksonville.

“It was always good to see another color because I ain’t got to care about whooping yellow. I can whoop upside your head and get on the bus and go home. I don’t care,” Sapp said with his trademark intensity.

With Sapp instilling his old-school defensive mentality, the Buffs’ defense might just be the most fearsome unit in the country.