I’m Blessed and Grateful”: Deion Sanders Shares Powerful Health Update

Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders has never been one to shy away from a challenge, and his most recent battle may be the toughest he’s faced yet. On Sunday, Sanders revealed that he is officially cancer-free following a months-long fight with bladder cancer that included a major surgery this offseason.

The 57-year-old Colorado head coach disclosed that doctors removed his bladder after discovering an aggressive tumor earlier this year. Surgeons constructed a new bladder from part of his small intestine, a procedure performed robotically. The cancer, caught before it spread to the muscle layer, was treated successfully. Dr. Janet Kukreja, part of Sanders’s medical team, confirmed he is now considered “cured.”

“I’m blessed, I’m grateful, and I’m ready,” Sanders said, his voice filled with emotion during a press conference. “God gave me another chance, and I don’t take that lightly.”

A Grueling Journey

This was far from Sanders’s first health scare. In 2021, he suffered life-threatening blood clots that led to the amputation of two toes. In 2023, he underwent emergency surgery for more blood clot complications. Earlier this year, Sanders admitted he had even drafted a will amid uncertainty over his health, calling the process “one of the toughest things I’ve ever done.”

The cancer fight brought new challenges, including a 25-pound weight loss and adjusting to life with a urostomy bag. Sanders spoke candidly about his daily adjustments, even joking about relying on “Depends” and possibly having a portable toilet on the sidelines. Still, his humor underscored a deeper truth: his determination to keep going no matter the obstacle.

Back to the Sidelines

Despite the hurdles, Sanders made it clear he never planned to step away from football. He’ll return this fall to lead the Colorado Buffaloes in his third season at the helm, a campaign that comes as the team faces big changes. With stars Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter both NFL-bound, Coach Prime’s leadership will be critical as Colorado looks to build on the momentum of his tenure.

Sanders also used the moment to encourage others—especially Black men—to prioritize regular health checkups and cancer screenings. “Early detection saved my life,” he said. “If my story can help somebody else, then all of this was worth it.”

Looking Ahead

From Hall of Fame athlete to outspoken coach and now cancer survivor, Deion Sanders continues to live life in the spotlight with resilience and faith. His health update isn’t just news for Colorado football—it’s a story of perseverance that resonates far beyond the field.

With his cancer behind him and his eyes fixed firmly on the upcoming season, Coach Prime is once again ready to prove that nothing can slow him down.