The CU Boulder Police Department has always had a visible presence when the Buffs play in Folsom Field, with all officers required to work home football games in some capacity or another. However, this football season looks and feels a little bit different.
CUPD Officer Marc Mustoe (foreground) accompanies Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders onto Folsom Field at the start of the Sept. 30 game vs. USC.
Along with the usual officers on patrol, dispatchers taking calls and roughly 10 partner agencies helping to ensure game day safety, the arrival of Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders has meant more than sold-out games and record-breaking merchandise sales—and CUPD’s Marc Mustoe has a front row seat to it all.
Mustoe, a former CU Buffaloes offensive tackle who graduated in 2015 with a degree in ecology and evolutionary biology, is back on the field. This time, he’s assigned to provide security to Coach Prime, along with the coach’s two full-time security guards.
Working as a liaison between the police department and the football program gives Mustoe a chance to combine his passion for football with his desire to have a positive impact on the team and its young players.
“As a former player and a Buff for life, I felt I could relate well,” he said. “I know what it’s like to be in the locker room. Now I have a different perspective from my new role in life, and I want to give back. I want to be a resource for the players as a police officer,” he added.
“As a native of Colorado, the Buffs have always been my team! It was a dream come true playing college football here and having my parents in the stands every home game,” said Mustoe, who transitioned from student athlete to police officer in 2016.
While his family may not be in Folsom Field on Saturdays this time around, Mustoe does have the full support of Chief of Police Doreen Jokerst. “There are so many strong partnerships involved in supporting large events such as football games, and we appreciate them all. CUPD is proud to have one of our own team members contribute in this unique way,” she said.
When Mustoe hung up his cleats after the 2014 football season, he thought his days of running onto the turf at Folsom Field were over. Now, he’s back on the gridiron and savoring every moment.
“It's a great honor, and one of the best feelings in the world,” said Mustoe. “I love seeing CU football being elevated and part of the national conversation as it should be. I feel very blessed to be in this position.”
