99-year-old Buffs superfan overcomes major injury in time for season opener

DENVER (KDVR) — Peggy Coppom , 99, was at Thursday night’s season opener for the University of Colorado Boulder Buffaloes football, but a major injury almost got in the way.

The Buffs superfan — who just landed a name, image and likeness deal — has been famously attending CU football games for six decades, from beginning to end. In July though, Coppom fell as she was walking in her driveway and broke her femur.

Coppom underwent surgery, stayed in the hospital for a week then a rehab center for two, and finally back home with instructions from doctors to continue physical therapy.

“It was difficult, and I won’t try to soften any of this. It was difficult,” Coppom said in a recent interview.

It’s an injury that is unfortunately very common, sending 3 million older people to the hospital every year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Often, the injuries have devastating and life-altering impacts.

Coppom was determined to get moving and walking again, remembering words of wisdom from her late twin sister Betty.

“Don’t ever give up. Betty and I used to say her motto was ‘pray and play.’ And so I couldn’t play, but I prayed a lot so I could play again,” Coppom said.

Coppom said she was grateful to every doctor, nurse and therapist who treated her and was thankful her injury wasn’t worse. That gratitude extended to her ability to attend game one.

“I’m looking to have some really fun plays and be able to cheer and shake my pom-poms,” Coppom said. “And I want to see a win for Colorado at the end of the game.”

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