University of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders “Coach Prime” confirmed he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bladder cancer and underwent surgery to remove his bladder. Doctors say he is now cancer‑free and ready to lead the Buffaloes this season.
At a packed press conference in the Dal Ward Athletic Center’s Touchdown Club, Sanders spoke with gravity and humor. He was joined by Dr. Janet Kukreja, director of urologic oncology at CU Cancer Center. Kukreja said she does not use the term “cured” lightly, but in his case the word applies.
Sanders lost about 25 pounds and described the journey as a fight, not a “cakewalk.” Yet his resilient spirit carried the day.
Discovery and Medical Details
- The cancer was found during a routine vascular exam, prompted by Sanders’ history of blood clots in his legs.
- The tumor was very high‑grade, invading the bladder wall. Doctors performed a robot-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy and reconstructed a neobladder using a section of Sanders’ small intestine.
- Sanders’ medical team said he is now cancer‑free and medically fit to coach.
Strength, Support, and Privacy
Lauren Askevold, the team trainer, praised Sanders’ mindset: “He never folded… you couldn’t ask for a better patient”.
Sanders said he kept details private, even from his family and star players like Shedeur Sanders, Shilo Sanders, and Travis Hunter, so they could focus on football.
He even changed phone numbers “a couple of times” to limit outside contact during recovery.
Humor, Faith, and Advocacy
Sanders mixed levity with sincerity. He joked, “I can’t pee like I used to… I depend on Depends,” and quipped that teams might need a porta‑potty on the sideline during games.
He also shared his deep faith and gratitude. Sanders credited doctors, God, family, and friends—including Randy Moss—for support. He urged others: “Get checked out… It could’ve been a whole other gathering if I hadn’t”.
What This Means for the Buffaloes
- Sanders will enter his third season as Colorado head coach.
- The 2024 season saw the Buffaloes finish 9–4 with a standout year from quarterback Shedeur Sanders and rising star Travis Hunter in his Heisman-winning campaign.
- This year marks the first season without Shedeur at QB. True freshman Julian Lewis, a five-star recruit and the No. 2 player in ESPN’s 2025 class, and Kaidon Salter, a veteran from Liberty, will compete for the starting role.
Health Takeaways: Catching Bladder Cancer Early
- Bladder cancer is among the most common cancers in men. If caught before spreading, the five-year survival rate ranges from 72% to 97%; once it spreads to lymph nodes, it can drop to 40% or lower.
- Sanders’ cancer was non-muscle invasive but high risk, caught early by accident and treated promptly.
- He stressed that many cases are spotted due to early signs like blood in urine, and encouraged routine check-ups regardless of symptoms.
Deion Sanders’ journey from diagnosis to cure is more than a personal victory—it’s a powerful reminder to take health seriously. With his trademark energy and honesty, he has become a voice for early screenings.
He is cancer‑free, ready to coach, and already motivating others. His story shows that even in the toughest fight, faith, humor, and early detection can win.
