Orange diamonds, team mottos: What went into Boise State’s championship rings
The Boise State football team received its rings for winning the 2024 Mountain West championship this week, and in classic sports-ring fashion, they’re packed full of symbolism and hidden decorations.
From a specific number of diamonds to magnetic pieces that can detach, here are details of the jewelry.
Exterior of the ring
The top is dominated by a blue jewel-encrusted Bronco in front of two Mountain West championship trophies, signifying back-to-back conference titles. “Mountain West Champions” is prominently displayed on either side of the Bronco’s head.
On one side of the ring are the players’ names and numbers, alongside a banner that reads “back to back” and two pennants, one reading ‘23 and the other ‘24. All student-athletes have the same design, even if they weren’t with the team in 2023.
The other side of the ring features the Mountain West Championship logo. Boise State’s and UNLV’s logos are embossed in silver with the final 21-7 score underneath.
Above the logos is the phrase “built different,” which became one of the team’s mottos under head coach Spencer Danielson.
That’s not the only team motto that can be found on the ring, though. On the inner part is the phrase “Put The Ball Down,” while at the very bottom of the ring is the acronym C.L.I.M.B., both popularized under Danielson.
C.L.I.M.B. stands for Competition, Love, Integrity, Mentality and Believe.
The “Put The Ball Down” motto is essentially a way of saying, Boise State will be ready to play.
“I believe in our team, and we use the phrase ‘put the ball down.’ Doesn’t matter the stadium or what fans are there. ... Put the ball down. We’re going to be ready,” Danielson said ahead of the Fiesta Bowl.
Interior of the ring
While the ring’s exterior doesn’t leave you wanting, there are more surprises.
The top of the ring is attached via magnets and can be detached. Inside are details about Boise State’s trip to the College Football Playoff and Fiesta Bowl, a game the Broncos lost 31-14 to Penn State on New Year’s Eve to end their historic season.
The main part of the ring has a miniature replica of State Farm Stadium and the Fiesta Bowl emblem. The stadium is surrounded by 27 orange diamonds representing Boise State’s 27 straight winning seasons.
The part of the ring that comes off can be worn as a pendant. It features the player’s name underneath the logos of the CFP, Boise State and Penn State, and is inscribed with Boise State’s No. 3 seed.
Replica rings
Want to get your hands on a piece of Boise State history? Until June 30, fans may order replicas and personalized championship rings for the 2023 and ‘24 seasons. The two rings can be purchased for $295 each or $545 together. The top of the 2024 replica ring doesn’t detach, but championship pendants can be purchased separately for $249 apiece.
This story was originally published May 28, 2025 at 3:39 PM.
