Coach Deion Sanders Declares He’s Cancer-Free, Coaching/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders revealed he recently battled aggressive bladder cancer but is now considered cured following surgery. Despite 14 surgeries since 2021, Sanders says he’s ready to coach this season. His resilience, optimism, and early detection were pivotal in his recovery.
Deion Sanders Cancer Battle + Quick Looks
- Sanders reveals he had aggressive bladder cancer, now considered cured
- Underwent bladder removal surgery, intestine repurposed to function as bladder
- Plans to coach Colorado this season, entering third year with Buffaloes
- Had 14 surgeries since 2021, including amputations due to blood clots
- Emphasizes importance of early detection, cancer discovered via CT scan
- No need for radiation or chemo, oncologist used the word “cure”
- Missed summer camps but returned last week, said “Back and Feeling Great!”
- Support from Randy Moss, who also battled cancer recently
- Uses humor and faith as coping tools, called drafting his will “a chance to rank his kids”
- Buffaloes open vs. Georgia Tech August 29, without sons Shedeur and Shilo Sanders
Deep Look: Deion Sanders Reveals Cancer Battle, Says He’ll Coach Colorado in 2025
BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — College football icon Deion Sanders revealed on Monday that he was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of bladder cancer, but declared he is now cancer-free following surgery — and fully intends to coach the Colorado Buffaloes this season.
The announcement was both emotional and uplifting as Sanders, who turns 58 next month, described the toll of his diagnosis, his complex surgical treatment, and the unwavering belief that he would return to the sidelines. Wearing his signature cowboy hat and sunglasses — which he later removed after becoming emotional — Sanders told reporters, “That was a fight, but we made it.”
A Private Battle with a Public Return
Though Sanders has previously drawn attention due to health concerns, particularly involving blood clots and two amputated toes, he had kept his cancer diagnosis private — until now. The charismatic coach disclosed that doctors discovered the cancer during a routine CT scan, part of ongoing monitoring due to his vascular issues.
Dr. Janet Kukreja, director of urologic oncology at CU Cancer Center, said Sanders underwent surgery to remove his bladder. A portion of his intestine was reconstructed to act as a new bladder — a complex procedure known as a neobladder surgery. Despite its challenges, she announced that Sanders will not require radiation or chemotherapy, and remarkably, she used the term “cured.”
Humor, Grit, and Faith
Throughout his remarks, Sanders used humor to ease the gravity of his announcement. “I was like Atlanta Falcons Prime at one point,” he joked, referencing his weight loss of about 25 pounds. He also quipped, “I truly depend on Depend,” acknowledging his incontinence post-surgery with grace and candor.
Even when faced with drafting a will — which he admitted was one of the most emotionally difficult moments — he maintained levity: “It was a chance to rank my kids,” he said.
Yet beneath the jokes was an unwavering faith. “I always knew I was going to coach again,” Sanders said. “It was never in my spirit, in my heart, that God wouldn’t allow me to coach again.”
Supported by Family, Friends, and Football
His journey was not a solitary one. Fellow Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss, who is also fighting cancer, checked in on Sanders frequently.
“Randy Moss called me every other day,” Sanders shared, adding that Moss and his wife consistently prayed for him.
Team trainer Lauren Askevold praised Sanders’ resilience: “He never folded one time. He never wavered… It’s been a hectic journey. But there’s a blessing in disguise with all of this.”
Colorado Athletic Director Rick George echoed the sentiment: “He’s so positive, and he said he’d be back. I had every confidence that he would be.”
Coaching Future and Team Outlook
Sanders returns to a Buffaloes team that has gained national attention under his leadership. After a 4-8 debut season, Sanders led Colorado to a 9-4 record in 2024, including an appearance in the Alamo Bowl.
The 2025 season, however, marks a new chapter. For the first time, Sanders won’t be coaching either of his sons — quarterback Shedeur Sanders, now with the Cleveland Browns, or safety Shilo Sanders, currently in camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Colorado kicks off its season on August 29 against Georgia Tech at Folsom Field. Despite the loss of Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and both sons, Sanders remains focused and optimistic: “I want to be the best Prime I can be for everybody. For everybody.”
In March 2025, Sanders signed a contract extension that will keep him with Colorado through 2029, reinforcing his long-term commitment to the program.
A Message of Survival and Advocacy
As he moves forward, Sanders says he hopes his story raises awareness about early cancer detection.
“We’re lucky to have found it at this stage where I could say the word cure,” said Dr. Kukreja.
The video series “Well Off Media,” which documents Sanders’ life and the Buffaloes program, captured a powerful behind-the-scenes moment on May 9: “I had to make a will,” Sanders said, voice breaking. “That’s not easy at all.”
Yet from that moment of fear emerged a renewed mission: to return, to coach, and to lead with love and resilience.
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