Almost literally, 'stabbed in the back'.

Stabbed UNC punter says he used to treat accused attacker to steak dinners

GREELEY. (AP) - That University of Northern Colorado football team punter stabbed by his backup in September says he's not surprised by the serious charges authorities have brought on his attacker.

Twenty-one-year-old Rafael Mendoza tells the Associated Press authorities told him from the start they intended to bring attempted first-degree murder charges against 21-year-old Mitch Cozad.

Cozad was Mendoza's backup punter. Authorities say he stabbed his rival, hoping to win the starting job. Now, he faces up to 48 years in prison if convicted.

The alleged victim says he tried to befriend Cozad, buying him steak dinners and even offering to let him share his apartment. Now, he says, he wonders what it would be like for Cozad to spend decades in prison.

Mendoza says he tries not to have an opinion on the potential punishment. The way he sees it, Cozad has brought this on himself.