Deion Sanders Reveals Cancer Scare, Says He’s Now Cancer-Free and Ready to Coach

University of Colorado football head coach Deion Sanders revealed Monday that he recently underwent surgery to remove his bladder after doctors discovered a tumor. Sanders, 57, shared that he is now cancer-free and plans to continue coaching the Buffaloes this season.

Speaking at a press conference inside the Touchdown Club at the Dal Ward Athletic Center, Sanders appeared alongside Dr. Janet Kukreja, director of urologic oncology at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, to publicly address questions about his health that have been circulating throughout the offseason.

While Sanders made a brief appearance at Big 12 media days earlier this month, thanking conference commissioner Brett Yormark and CU athletic director Rick George for their support, he avoided detailed questions about his health at the time. In July, his son, Deion Sanders Jr., posted a video on social media hinting at his father’s condition, showing Coach Prime talking about not being fully recovered and participating in light rehab activities like ice baths and walks with his daughter.

Sanders has faced a number of health challenges over the years. He’s previously suffered from severe blood clots that led to the amputation of two toes in 2022 and underwent emergency surgery in 2023 to remove additional clots from his legs.

Despite the health concerns, Sanders is preparing for his third season leading the Buffaloes. The team finished 9–4 last year, including an appearance in the Alamo Bowl. He coached his son, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, to national acclaim, alongside standout Travis Hunter, considered one of the best two-way players in modern college football. While Shedeur has since moved on to the NFL, along with several other offensive stars including his brother, safety Shilo Sanders, Coach Prime is focused on the next chapter.

This season marks the first time Deion Sanders won’t be coaching a team with Shedeur at quarterback. The competition to replace him is underway, with true freshman and five-star recruit Julian Lewis and Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter, who started 24 games in his collegiate career, vying for the starting role.

Despite his recent surgery and ongoing recovery, Sanders emphasized his commitment to leading the team this fall and said he feels energized by the journey a