Deion Sanders, the head football coach at Colorado, announced on Monday that he was diagnosed with bladder cancer earlier this year.
In a press conference held as Colorado prepares for the 2025 football season, Sanders shared that he underwent surgery to remove his bladder after a malignant tumor was discovered.
Dr. Janet Kukreja from the University of Colorado Cancer Center, who has been overseeing Sanders’ treatment, stated that he has been successfully cured of cancer.
Sanders described the process as challenging, revealing that doctors had presented him with several treatment options.
Kukreja noted that the type of cancer Sanders faced had a high chance of recurrence, which led to the decision for the “curative” method of bladder removal.
At 57 years old, Sanders recounted the emotional toll of his diagnosis, expressing that he had surgery scheduled shortly after the difficulties his son, Shedeur Sanders, faced during the NFL Draft, where he fell from a potential first-round pick to the fifth round.
He emphasized the need to keep the focus on his sons.
“My sons, to this day, don’t know what transpired; I just told them it was something with my foot because I wanted to give them the focus on making the team and not focused on dad,” Sanders stated.
Previously, Sanders had been away from the team, focusing on his health after spring practice.
He attended Big 12 media days but refrained from addressing his health at that time.
During the recent news conference, Sanders expressed his unwavering commitment to coaching, even after receiving his diagnosis.
He highlighted the support from fellow NFL legend Randy Moss, who himself faced bile duct cancer in 2024 and is preparing to return to ESPN for the upcoming season.
Sanders’ cancer was discovered during routine vascular tests, prompting a call from his primary care doctor that initiated his diagnosis journey with a urologist.
Kukreja confirmed that they had identified the tumor early, preventing it from advancing into a more serious condition.
“I didn’t have any signs,” said Sanders, sharing the unexpected nature of his diagnosis.
Following his surgery, he discussed some of the physical changes he has experienced.
He remarked, “I can’t pee like I used to pee. It’s totally different.”
Additionally, he mentioned losing 25 pounds at one point and candidly shared his struggles with bladder control.
“I depend on Depend if you know what I mean,” Sanders said, adding that he wakes up multiple times each night for bathroom visits.
He humorously compared his situation with that of his grandson, indicating that they are facing similar challenges.
Fans attending Colorado games this fall should expect to see a portable toilet on the sidelines, as Sanders aims to raise awareness for others experiencing similar health issues.
He revealed that parts of his intestine were used to create his new bladder.
Sanders emphasized the importance of talking about such health challenges: “It’s just totally different, and I know there’s a lot of people out there going through what I am going through and dealing with what I am dealing with, and let’s stop being ashamed of it and let’s deal with it.
And let’s deal with it head-on.”
Prior to the conference, Sanders took to social media to announce that he recently completed his will, highlighting the need to ensure his affairs are in order.
He informed his coaching staff and team of his diagnosis just the day before the conference.
“I don’t want to be a fool and leave and not have my business affairs in order,” Sanders remarked.
The vascular tests are part of Sanders’ routine after undergoing two toe amputations on his left foot in 2021 while coaching at Jackson State, a result of complications from a blood clot and compartment syndrome.
Sanders disclosed that since 2021, he has undergone a total of 14 surgeries.
Entering his third season as the head coach at Colorado, Sanders has already made significant strides, with the Buffaloes finishing 9-4 in the previous season after a 4-8 record in his inaugural year.
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