Deion Sanders Beats Bladder Cancer, Returns to Coach Colorado Buffaloes

The head football coach at the University of Colorado, Sanders, Deion, stated on Monday that he had surgery to remove his bladder after doctors found a cancerous tumor on it earlier this year. The 57-year-old Pro Football Hall of Famer said there are no signs of cancer since the surgery, and that he is looking at returning to coaching this season. The announcement came during an emotional and often humorous press conference at the Dal Ward Athletic Center, where Sanders was joined by Dr. Janet Kukreja, director of urological oncology at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, and team trainer Lauren Askevold. Dr. Kukreja officially told Sanders he was “cured of cancer” and, “I don’t use that word lightly.”

Sanders shared stories of his health crisis, including the toll, mentally and physically. “It was not easy. It was dynamic. It was hard. It wasn’t a walk in the park. That was a fight, but we did it,” he said. The former NFL star added that he lost around 25 pounds during the ordeal and kept his diagnosis private from even close family, including sons Shedeur and Shilo Sanders and star player Travis Hunter, so they could focus on preparing for the NFL Draft.

Team trainer Lauren Askevold said the cancer was discovered during routine vascular exams related to Sanders’ history of blood clots in his legs. “You couldn’t ask for a better patient. He never folded, never wavered,” she said. Sanders previously had two to amputate toes amputated and several procedures for blood clots. But he said he was not planning to step down from leading the Buffaloes, who went 9-4 last season and played in the Alamo Bowl under his leadership. In typical “Coach Prime” form, Sanders used humor when sharing the seriousness of his condition. “I can’t pee like I used to. I wear Depends,” he said, adding that if the public sees a porta-potty on the side this season, it is real.

Dr. Kukreja pointed out that part of Sanders’ small bowel was used to make a new bladder and that his active lifestyle should help with the recovery. “It’s a learning curve,” she said of patients after such a life-altering procedure.

Sanders said, decision to disclose was not only about his journey. He hopes his story encourages others to prioritize regular health screenings: “Get checked out. It could have been a whole different kind of gathering if I didn’t.” He added, “Everyone knows someone who is affected or infected by the ‘C’ word.”

Sanders acknowledged he changed his phone number multiple times during recovery to avoid questions and stayed mostly out of the public eye – aside from an appearance at Big 12 Media Days, where he avoided health-related questions but praised supporters like conference commissioner Brett Yormark and CU athletic director Rick George.

The Buffaloes now enter the 2025 season without quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who threw for 7,364 yards and 64 touchdowns over two seasons. Sanders’ departure has triggered a quarterback competition between five-star freshman Julian Lewis and Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter. This will be the first time Deion Sanders is coaching without Shedeur under center.

In July, Deion Jr. posted a video of his father during his rehabilitation – stepping into an ice bath, walking with one of his daughters, and shooting hoops – evidence of strength and resolve amidst his drawn-out health ordeal.

Deion Sanders concluded the press conference with a powerful message to his players and fans: “This is real. But I’m here, I’m blessed, and I’m not going anywhere. Let’s get back to work.”