Lifelong Fan Riley Cheers on the CU Buffs at Folsom Field

What is it about American football that captures so many hearts?

Riley’s love of the game began when he watched the Colorado Buffaloes on TV as a teenager and hasn’t wavered since. In 1977, Riley heard on the radio that CU season tickets were going on sale—and the rest is history.

“I didn’t know what I was getting myself into!” said Riley with a laugh.

For the next three decades, Riley found a home at Folsom Field— in section 213, row 60, to be specific. In the iconic stands surrounded by other Buffs diehards, he felt unmatched camaraderie, passion, and a sense of belonging.

“I would look to the left and see the Flatirons. There’s no other stadium like that,” he said.

Through his 27 years as a season-ticket holder and beyond, Riley watched the Buffs go through their golden era, winning a Heisman Trophy and multiple championship titles. And they’ve also been by his side through all his highs and lows.

Riley is no stranger to challenges, having been born with spina bifida and undergoing surgery as a young child. In recent years, he has been diagnosed with End Stage Renal Failure, a condition that requires frequent treatment.

But Riley is an honorary Buffalo with an indomitable spirit! He has never let his hardships take center stage. Instead, Riley is known for his kind heart and efforts to brighten the days of his neighbors and staff at his long-term care facility.

Riley is the resident jokester who wears funny t-shirts to make people smile and posts comics around the community to make them laugh. In wintertime, he is an unsung Santa Claus, delivering thoughtful little tokens and treats from his enormous heart.

While physical and financial challenges have kept him from attending games in person, the spirit of the game—and his love for it—remained unbroken. Riley has remained a dedicated CU Boulder fan, tuning in for every game and sharing his passion for the sport with others.

As he closely followed the buzz surrounding Deion Sanders and watched the Buffs’ popularity surge, Riley has yearned to return to Boulder, daydreaming about feeling the crowd roar in person once more.

With the support of the University of Colorado at Boulder Community Outreach, Wish of a Lifetime from AARP was honored to make Riley’s dream a reality! We put the pieces together to create a homecoming experience Riley could never forget.

At age 72, Riley returned to Folsom Field as CU Boulder took on the University of Utah. But this was no ordinary game day! Riley’s dream day began with the Buff Walk, where he proudly followed the football team into the stadium. Standing right on the sidelines, decked out in his new CU Boulder gear, he watched the team warm up and collected countless signatures from the players on his football. Riley even met 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter!

Riley was accompanied by Wish of a Lifetime founder Jeremy Bloom, University of Colorado alum and former football player. His excitement peaked when Ralphie, the beloved buffalo mascot, made her iconic run around the stadium. He shared an unforgettable moment with Coach Prime, who gifted him his hat out on the field.

But the day’s highlight came when Riley was recognized on the field by over 50,000 jubilant fans. As he smiled and waved, the indescribable moment brought tears to his eyes.

“It was just amazing to be on the jumbotron with all the fans— the applause I got.” Riley shared. “It was a little shocking; I’ve never done anything like that before.”

After two decades, Riley finally rejoined the Buffs diehards in the stands—but this time, in a VIP box with his companion, Randy, VP of Good Samaritan Village Loveland. Their bond, rooted in a close-knit community and a shared passion for football and the CU Buffs, made the experience even more special.

Riley cheered with as much vigor as in the old days, spreading his enthusiasm to everyone around him. For the devoted fan, the day ended perfectly when the Colorado Buffs delivered a decisive victory over the Utah Utes, winning 49-24.

After his wish experience, Riley has become an even bigger fan—something no one in his community thought was possible! By sharing his wish story, he’s brought joy to many of his neighbors and even recruited a few more CU fans.

“I was just so grateful to be there and thankful I could do it,” Riley shared. “It took me back to all the games I used to go to… my loyalty didn’t change at all.”