Deion Sanders opened up about the specifics of his ongoing health issues, and it’s much more serious than anyone thought.
The Colorado Buffaloes head coach missed the start of the preseason activities, choosing to hand off the duties of running summer practices to his assistant coaches.
The move raised some eyebrows and plenty of questions, all of which “Prime Time” was willing to answer: he’s been dealing with bladder cancer, even going so far as to have it removed during the offseason.
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders Treated For Bladder Cancer, Doctor Says He’s ‘Cured’
Sanders said in a July 28 press conference that he was dealing with bladder cancer during the offseason, per People.
During the presser, Sanders revealed he underwent surgery to have his bladder removed. Dr. Janet Kukreja, the director of urological oncology at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, told members of the media that, because of the surgeries, Sanders was “cured from the cancer.”
“When we hear that word [cancer], it’s usually a life sentence attached to it," said an emotional Sanders. "But not this time. Not this time, because God got me."
Sanders said that life without a bladder is “a whole change,” since he now has to rely on a urostomy bag. And in recent months, he’s lost about 25 pounds.
“Slowly but surely, I built myself back up," he added. "I’m able, I’m strong. It has been a tremendous journey, and I’m truly thankful that God is so good. God is so good, you have no idea. You have no idea how good God has been to me for being here. You have no idea.”
In a social media video posted on Sunday, July 27, Dieon revealed that he “had to make a will” during this then-unknown health struggle. “That's not easy at all, to think that you might not be there, but you want to make sure everybody is straight."
Oddly, Sanders said that he kept the diagnosis from his sons: Shilo, 25, Deon Jr., 31, and 23-year-old Shedeur Sanders. However, he did tell his daughters, Dieondra, 33, and 21-year-old Shelomi, who have not left” his side.
"The process wasn't easy," he said. "My sons to this day don’t know what’s transpired. I wanted them to really focus on making the team."
Shedeur, whom the Cleveland Browns picked in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, is focused on securing a seat in the team’s quarterback room. Shilo signed as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Deion kept his unflappable persona during this press conference. He joked about the difficulty urinating, and that if the media sees “a porta-potty on the sideline, it’s real.”
Coach Prime also confirmed that he’s fully back in control of the team. “I don’t rely on [my assistants],” he said. “I’m with them.”
Deion led the Colorado Buffaloes to a 9-4 overall season, a massive improvement from the 4-8 record the year prior. However, the 2025 season will give Coach Prime a challenge: it’s a whole new team. Shedeur is battling for a spot with the Browns, and the 2025 Heisman winner, Travis Hunter, is with the Jacksonville Jaguars.