Deion Sanders has finally opened up about the health scare that led him to write his will and miss key events this year. The 57-year-old Colorado football coach revealed during a Monday press conference that he was diagnosed with bladder cancer in April but is now completely cancer-free following successful treatment.
Sanders appeared alongside his medical team to share details about his battle with the disease, which had kept him away from his football program for several months. The Hall of Fame athlete underwent bladder removal surgery and has been recovering at his Texas home throughout the offseason.
“Coach Prime” and his medical team revealed that he was diagnosed with bladder cancer in April and had his bladder removed, according to Sports Illustrated. The procedure was successful, and doctors confirmed he is now cancer-free.
The health crisis was serious enough that Sanders felt compelled to prepare his final affairs. In a video released by his son Deion Sanders Jr., the coach shared the emotional weight of facing his mortality.
“Yesterday was tough because I had to make a will,” Sanders said in the May video. “That’s not easy, at all, to think that you might not be there, but you want to make sure everybody is straight.”
During the press conference, he added on having to write a will, “You don’t want to be a fool and leave without having your business and affairs in order. Funny thing is, you up there ranking your kids again.”
The diagnosis explained Sanders’ absence from several planned events, including a sickle cell disease symposium in Florida and the wedding of former Colorado star Travis Hunter, who won the Heisman Trophy under Sanders’ guidance.
Physical Impact and Recovery Process
The cancer battle took a significant toll on Sanders’ physical condition. He revealed the extent of weight loss he experienced during treatment and recovery.
Sanders said he lost 25 pounds while dealing with bladder cancer. He’s now down about 12 pounds but is still managing issues with his bladder and using the bathroom.
The coach stressed the importance of regular health screenings during his press conference, urging others to prioritize their medical check-ups.
“The process wasn’t easy… everybody, get checked out,” Sanders told reporters during the press conference. “Without wonderful people like this, I probably wouldn’t be sitting here today.”
He made it clear that stepping away from coaching was never a consideration, even during the most challenging moments of his treatment.
Support System and Return to Football
Sanders received tremendous support from family, friends, and colleagues throughout his health journey. All-time great NFL wide receiver Randy Moss, who’s dealing with his own cancer battle, provided regular encouragement by calling Sanders every other day.
The coach also thanked former Colorado star Travis Hunter, athletic director Rick George, Michael Irvin, and rapper Lil Wayne for their support during his recovery. The network helped him maintain his spirits while focusing on getting healthy.
“I always knew I was gonna coach again,” Sanders said during the press conference. “It was never in my spirit, in my heart, that God wouldn’t allow me to coach again.”
Sanders recently returned to campus for team meetings and is preparing for Colorado’s upcoming season. The Buffaloes will open their 2025 campaign against Georgia Tech on August 29, with their coach now healthy and ready to lead the team.
Sanders is entering his third season at Colorado after leading the team to a 9-4 record in 2024, a significant improvement from their 4-8 debut season under his leadership.
Comments
NFL Icon Deion Sanders Gives Update on His Cancer Battle