Coach Prime is back…
Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders revealed Monday that he received an aggressive bladder cancer diagnosis and subsequently underwent surgery to remove his bladder, during which doctors constructed a new one using part of his small intestine. He has been declared cancer-free by his medical team.
The surgery occurred during the offseason and kept Sanders away from coaching and team activities for several months. Despite the seriousness of the treatment, he remains committed to coaching this season. Sanders lost approximately 25 pounds, experienced ongoing urinary adjustments, and has been open about challenges like bladder control. He’s even joked that port-a-potties may be stationed on the sidelines to help.
The New York Post digs deeper into the twists and turns of Sanders’ health saga.
The cancer, which Sanders said was an aggressive form, was “cured” thanks to an alternative procedure that involved removing his bladder and creating a new one with his own intestines.
“He never folded one time and never wavered,” Colorado team trainer Lauren Askevold said. “You couldn’t ask for a better patient because he wants to get up and get going right. So it’s been awesome. It’s been a hectic journey, but there’s a blessing very in disguise with all this.”
“I think I dropped 25 pounds… Dealing with the catheter… Dealing with going to the bathroom. I can’t pee like I used to; it’s totally different.”
Prior health struggles for Sanders include a history of blood clots, leading to the amputation of two toes in 2021 and multiple surgeries in 2023 to address leg clots and toe issues. In May, he drafted a will over fears related to the cancer diagnosis.
Yet today’s announcement marked the end of an especially difficult chapter in Sanders’ health journey, positioning him once again at the helm as the Buffs prepare for the start of the 2025 NCAA Division I FBS football season in 26 days.
Beyond the gridiron, Sanders’ openness underscores the importance of early detection, regular screenings for high-risk individuals, and candid conversations about the realities of battling cancer.