Jeremy Bloom gave up a potentially lucrative career in freestyle skiing Wednesday to play football for Colorado, favoring happiness over money.

\"I know money is the last thing that brings you happiness,'' he said. \"I love to play college football. That's what makes me the happiest.''

Bloom, 21, of Loveland is both a champion moguls skier and a standout CU wide receiver and punt returner.

He announced his long-awaited decision at a news conference at CU, recalling the thrill he received when he returned a punt for a touchdown against Colorado State last year.

Bloom's decision came after the NCAA ruled that he could not remain eligible for football and earn endorsement money as a skier, which helps cover the cost of training and traveling as a World Cup competitor.

Bloom has appealed the ruling, but a state district judge last year denied his request for a temporary restraining order against the NCAA.

Bloom's dispute with NCAA moves to appeals court
August 07, 2003
U.S. freestyle skier Jeremy Bloom is appealing a ruling that prohibits him from earning endorsement money while playing college football, arguing that NCAA rules are not enforceable under Colorado state law.

In a brief filed July 9 with the Colorado Court of Appeals, Bloom's attorneys said the rules have led to conflicting interpretations that Bloom could not play football at Colorado while continuing his skiing career and working in television broadcasting.
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