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Deion Sanders held a press conference on Monday to provide an update on recent health concerns ahead of the college football season. In doing so, he ended any retirement speculation.
Sanders will be on the sidelines for the Colorado Buffaloes in 2025. He admitted, however, that things will look a bit different on the CU bench.
Coach Prime is set to enter Year 3 with the program after leading the Buffs to a 9-4 campaign in ’24. Many had doubts about his commitment moving forward with his sons having left the university.
Deion Sanders’ loyalty to Colorado was questioned.
A number of fans and media members believed he’d leave at the first sign of trouble with Shedeur and Shilo Sanders having moved onto the NFL. One of those critics was Deshaun Watson’s personal QB coach.
“The reason I have such a difficult time with Deion is that I think that so much of the things that he does are about him rather than other people,” said Quincy Avery.
“I think a lot of people miss that. So, we get to see who he is as a person when he has to take on this team without his sons involved.”
Watson and Shedeur Sanders are now teammates with the Browns. It didn’t stop Avery from trashing Coach Prime.
Health concerns also played a part in the speculation.
Some went as far as to insinuate that the recently scheduled press conference to discuss his health concerns was a way of opening the door for an early retirement.
Deion Sanders and his medical team will hold a press conference on Monday. https://t.co/kwGOt6wAa2 pic.twitter.com/F7X7hswvwi
— CFB Home (@CFBHome) July 27, 2025
In reality, Deion Sanders was informing the public of the reasoning behind his recent absence from Boulder while also providing a positive health update.
He is cancer free!
Deion Sanders had a bladder tumor removed.
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders and his medical team announced that he had a bladder tumor that has been removed and is now “cured from the cancer.” pic.twitter.com/Y6pZO9ETH4
— ESPN (@espn) July 28, 2025
“Given his commitments to his family and to the team, he elected to undergo a bladder removal,” his medical staff said. “I am pleased to report that the results from the surgery are that he is cured from the cancer.”
Sanders says that this was his 14th surgery since 2021. The university was fully aware and supportive of what was transpiring.
While the coach is now on the road to recovery, he did admit that things will look a bit different. He lost 25 pounds throughout the process. He also joked that a few new additions might make their way to the sidelines in Boulder this season.
Deion Sanders jokes he “depends on Depends” and “if you see a Port-a-Potty on the sideline, it’s real.”
He also encourages everyone who is dealing with urinary struggles, and “let’s stop being ashamed of it” pic.twitter.com/t9t2h86z6p
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) July 28, 2025
With that said, he’s looking forward to the future. “I’m able, I’m strong, I’m ready,” he replied while speaking on the coming year.
Many suggested that the health concerns were a convenient excuse that would allow him to step away from the program. In reality, it was quite the opposite.
Deion Sanders had surgery to preserve his ability to continue coaching in Colorado. Those attempting to profit from a “gotcha” moment now look rather silly.
‘Bucky’ Sanders provided a behind-the-scenes look at Coach Prime’s surgery.
Through it all, Sanders says his son was by his side.
He also received positive support from former NFLer Randy Moss, who called him daily, though he admitted to leaving Shedeur and Shilo in the dark on his diagnosis as they prep for their rookie seasons.
Thankfully, all went well. He can now look ahead to the 2025 college football campaign.