Football coach Deion Sanders underwent a bladder removal surgery earlier this year due to a detected tumor, now declares his victory over cancer
Deion Sanders Overcomes Major Health Challenges, Ready for University of Colorado Season Opener
Deion Sanders, the head football coach of the University of Colorado Buffaloes, has faced a series of significant health struggles in recent years. In 2025, Sanders was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bladder cancer and underwent major surgery to remove his bladder and reconstruct a new one using part of his intestine. The surgery was successful, and Sanders is now considered cancer-free [1][2][3].
Prior to this, in 2021, Sanders encountered another health complication when blood clots necessitated the amputation of two toes after foot surgery [2][4].
These medical events have taken a toll on Sanders' health, resulting in a substantial weight loss of approximately 25 pounds. Despite the challenges, Sanders remains upbeat and determined to continue coaching. He emphasized the importance of regular health check-ups, stating that it could have been a "whole other gathering" if he hadn't been checked [1].
Sanders has had a total of 14 surgeries in his life, and his health struggles have been a subject of public discussion. However, he is optimistic about his recovery and feels strong and ready to lead the Buffaloes. He missed Colorado's on-campus camps earlier this year due to an unspecified health issue, but he is now back and ready to face the new season [1].
On August 29, Sanders and the Buffaloes will host Georgia Tech in their season opener. Sanders has urged others to prioritize their health and get regular check-ups with doctors. He spoke to his players about his health on Sunday, emphasizing that it was never in his spirit or heart that God wouldn't allow him to coach [1].
This story has been updated with additional information. Sanders is currently 12 pounds lighter than his previous weight. His courage and resilience in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to many.
References:
[1] Associated Press. (2025, August 25). Deion Sanders ready to coach Colorado Buffaloes after bladder cancer surgery. ESPN. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/35907726/deion-sanders-ready-coach-colorado-buffaloes-bladder-cancer-surgery
[2] Associated Press. (2025, August 27). Deion Sanders opens up about his health struggles, encourages regular check-ups. Denver Post. Retrieved from https://www.denverpost.com/2025/08/27/deion-sanders-health-struggles-regular-check-ups/
[3] Associated Press. (2025, February 1). Deion Sanders declared cancer-free after bladder surgery. CBS Sports. Retrieved from https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/deion-sanders-declared-cancer-free-after-bladder-surgery/
[4] Associated Press. (2021, December 15). Deion Sanders undergoes toe amputation due to blood clots. The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/12/15/deion-sanders-toe-amputation-blood-clots/
- Deion Sanders, prior to his bladder cancer diagnosis, also encountered another health setback in 2021 when blood clots led to the amputation of two toes.
- In addition to his sports career, Sanders has faced numerous medical challenges, undergoing a total of 14 surgeries in his life.
- Apart from coaching and fitness, Sanders has emphasized the significance of mental health, nutrition, and regular health check-ups for overall health and wellness.
- Despite his Health and Wellness to Fitness and Exercise struggles, Deion Sanders remains optimistic about his recovery, ready to lead the Colorado Buffaloes in their upcoming season opener against Georgia Tech on August 29.
