DEION SANDERS ANNOUNCES CANCER RECOVERY, AFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO 2025 SEASON
Ajay Allen - July 28, 2025
Deion Sanders, head coach of the University of Colorado Buffaloes, delivered a powerful and emotional announcement during a press conference in Boulder today, accompanied by his medical team from CU Anschutz and UCHealth. In his first public appearance addressing his recent absence, Sanders revealed that he had been diagnosed with a cancerous bladder tumor earlier this year. As a result, he underwent surgery to have his bladder removed. According to his doctors, the procedure successfully eliminated the cancer.
“It has been a tremendous journey. It's been tough,” Sanders said. “I think I dropped 25 pounds… just dealing with a catheter, dealing with all the stuff I had to deal with. Right now, I'm still dealing with going to the bathroom. It's a whole life change.”
Sanders took a moment to stress the importance of early medical intervention, urging others not to ignore signs or skip checkups. “Get checked out because it could have been a whole other gathering if I hadn't,” he said, acknowledging that the diagnosis came just in time.
His medical team confirmed that the cancer was considered high risk but reiterated that the surgery was a success and that Sanders is now cancer-free. “He’s cured of the cancer,” one doctor stated, adding that his recovery has been remarkably strong.
Reflecting on the emotional toll of the ordeal, Sanders revealed that he had to face his own mortality in a way few people ever do. “Last night was tough, yesterday was tough because I had to make a will… That's not easy at all to think that you may not be here,” he said. “But I didn’t stare death in my face. I stared life in the face. And I got work to do. We got to win the third championship.”
Despite the health scare, Sanders made it clear he remains fully committed to coaching and to his players. He expressed deep gratitude for the support of his family, medical staff, and university community, saying, “I'm here because of them. They kept me grounded, kept me focused.”
Although he noted that he’s still recovering physically, Sanders expressed confidence about his return to the field. “I’ve built myself back up. I’m strong, I’m ready. I'm still about 12 pounds down, but I'm going to get that right.”
Coach Sanders will return for his third season leading the Buffaloes as the team prepares to open the 2025 campaign at home on August 29 against Georgia Tech. With his health stabilized and his focus sharper than ever, Sanders made it clear his mission both in life and on the field is far from over.
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Deion Sanders made a personal announcement this week, offering a glimpse into a challenging offseason and affirming his commitment to the upcoming season.