Colorado head coach and NFL legend Deion Sanders revealed Monday that he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bladder cancer earlier this year—but after undergoing major surgery, he’s now considered “cured” and is preparing to lead the Buffaloes into the 2025 season.
Wearing his signature cowboy hat, sunglasses, and a pair of overalls, Coach Prime got emotional while sharing details of his health journey during a press conference just one day before fall camp kicks off.
Bladder Cancer Diagnosis And Surgery
Deion Sanders, who turns 58 in August, disclosed that he underwent surgery to remove his bladder after doctors discovered cancer.
His lead oncologist, Dr. Janet Kukreja of the CU Cancer Center, confirmed that Sanders’ treatment included a full bladder removal, followed by a complex reconstruction using a section of his intestine to act as a replacement bladder.
“It was dynamic. It was tough. It wasn’t a cakewalk,” Sanders said during the press conference. “That was a fight, but we made it.”
Video footage shows Karrueche Tran was right by Prime’s side during his surgery.
Despite the intensity of the ordeal, Sanders remained resilient and kept his signature sense of humor.
He even joked about his recent weight loss, saying, “I was like Atlanta Falcons Prime at one point,” referring to his early playing days in the NFL.
The Journey Behind The Scenes
While Sanders kept a low public profile this summer, fans began to speculate about his absence from football camps.
On Sunday, “Well Off Media”—the YouTube channel that documents his life and team—posted a behind-the-scenes video capturing his return to the Buffaloes’ facility.
In a heartbreaking moment from May 9 featured in the clip, Sanders revealed: “I had to make a will. That’s not easy at all, to think that you may not be here.”
Still, through all the emotional and physical challenges, he never gave up.
“He never folded one time and never wavered,” said team trainer Lauren Askevold. “It’s been a hectic journey, but there’s a blessing in disguise with all this.”
Deion’s Return To The Sidelines
Sanders officially returned to campus last week, posting “Back and Feeling Great!” on social media.
And he’s ready to get back to business as the Buffaloes prepare for their season opener on August 29 against Georgia Tech at Folsom Field.
This will mark Deion’s third season at Colorado, but it’ll be the first time he isn’t coaching one of his sons.
His youngest son, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, was recently drafted by the Cleveland Browns, while safety Shilo Sanders is currently in camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Despite those key losses—including Travis Hunter, who won the Heisman Trophy last season—Coach Prime remains focused on building the team back up.
The Buffaloes finished 4-8 in his debut season and 9-4 last year, earning a trip to the Alamo Bowl.
And if his comeback story is any indication, betting against Deion Sanders would be a mistake.
A History Of Health Challenges
This isn’t Deion’s first medical battle.
In 2021, he had two toes amputated due to blood clots while coaching at Jackson State.
He missed Pac-12 Media Day in 2023 due to another surgery related to clotting issues and toe alignment.
Despite those setbacks, he signed a contract extension in March that keeps him at Colorado through 2029.
Now, with this latest health scare behind him, Sanders is determined to move forward—grateful, grounded, and more motivated than ever.
“I’m thankful,” he said. “And I’m ready.”
Please join me in sending prayers and positive energy to Coach Prime!
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