Coach Deion Sanders Declares He’s Cancer-Free, Coaching/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders revealed he recently battled aggressive bladder cancer but is now considered cured following surgery. Despite 14 surgeries since 2021, Sanders says he’s ready to coach this season. His resilience, optimism, and early detection were pivotal in his recovery.
BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — College football icon Deion Sanders revealed on Monday that he was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of bladder cancerbut declared he is now cancer-free following surgery — and fully intends to coach the Colorado Buffaloes this season.
The announcement was both emotional and uplifting as Sanders, who turns 58 next month, described the toll of his diagnosis, his complex surgical treatment, and the unwavering belief that he would return to the sidelines. Wearing his signature cowboy hat and sunglasses — which he later removed after becoming emotional — Sanders told reporters, “That was a fight, but we made it.”
Though Sanders has previously drawn attention due to health concerns, particularly involving blood clots and two amputated toes, he had kept his cancer diagnosis private — until now. The charismatic coach disclosed that doctors discovered the cancer during a routine CT scanpart of ongoing monitoring due to his vascular issues.
Dr. Janet kukrejadirector of urologic oncology at CU Cancer Center, said Sanders underwent surgery to remove his bladder. A portion of his intestine was reconstructed to act as a new bladder — a complex procedure known as a neobladder surgery. Despite its challenges, she announced that Sanders will not require radiation or chemotherapyand remarkably, she used the term “cured.”
Even when faced with drafting a will — which he admitted was one of the most emotionally difficult moments — he maintained levity: “It was a chance to rank my kids,” he said.
His journey was not a solitary one. Fellow Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Mosswho is also fighting cancer, checked in on Sanders frequently.
Sanders returns to a Buffaloes team that has gained national attention under his leadership. After a 4-8 debut seasonSanders led Colorado to a 9-4 record in 2024including an appearance in the Alamo Bowl.
The 2025 season, however, marks a new chapter. For the first time, Sanders won’t be coaching either of his sons — quarterback Shedeur Sandersnow with the Cleveland Brownsor safety Shilo Sanderscurrently in camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Colorado kicks off its season on August 29 against Georgia Tech at Folsom Field. Despite the loss of Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and both sons, Sanders remains focused and optimistic: “I want to be the best Prime I can be for everybody. For everybody.”
In March 2025Sanders signed a contract extension that will keep him with Colorado through 2029reinforcing his long-term commitment to the program.
As he moves forward, Sanders says he hopes his story raises awareness about early cancer detection.
The video series “Well Off Media,” which documents Sanders’ life and the Buffaloes programcaptured a powerful behind-the-scenes moment on May 9: “I had to make a will,” Sanders said, voice breaking. “That’s not easy at all.”
Yet from that moment of fear emerged a renewed mission: to return, to coach, and to lead with love and resilience.
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