Deion Sanders, the head football coach at the University of Colorado, shared on Monday that he received a bladder cancer diagnosis earlier in the year.
During a press briefing, Sanders made the announcement as Colorado commences its autumn training camp leading up to the 2025 season. Dr. Janet Kukreja, Sanders’ physician at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, mentioned that Sanders underwent bladder removal surgery following the discovery of a malignant tumor and that he has been “cured” of the cancer.
“The journey has been challenging,” Sanders expressed, noting that doctors presented him with various treatment options for the cancer.
Kukreja stated that the specific type of cancer Sanders faced had a significant recurrence rate, leading him to opt for the “curative” measure of bladder removal.
Sanders, 57, mentioned that he was aware of his impending surgery for the tumor while his son Shedeur Sanders navigated a difficult draft weekend after his projection as a possible first-round NFL Draft selection slipped to the fifth round.
“There were moments you witnessed, all the unnecessary commotion surrounding the draft,” Sanders stated. “It wasn’t solely that. It was also because I knew I had a surgery approaching. My sons are still unaware of the full situation; I simply told them it was related to my foot because I wanted them to concentrate on making the team and not worry about their dad.”
After revealing his cancer diagnosis and bladder removal, Deion Sanders took questions alongside his doctor, Janet Kukreja from the University of Colorado Cancer Center (left), and Colorado athletic trainer Lauren Askevold. (Aaron Ontiveroz/Getty Images)
(AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images via Getty Images)
The Pro Football Hall of Famer had been away from the team and at his residence in Texas since the conclusion of spring practice to manage his health concerns. He made an appearance at Big 12 media days earlier in July, where he refrained from addressing questions regarding his health while at the podium.
He shared on Monday that the thought of ceasing coaching never occurred to him after his diagnosis, and that Randy Moss had been a source of support during their conversations. Moss was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in 2024 and is slated to resume his full-time role at ESPN for the 2025 football season.
Colorado’s assistant athletic trainer, Lauren Askevold, noted that Sanders’ cancer discovery stemmed from his routine vascular examinations. The training personnel received a notification from his primary care physician following the vascular tests, which initiated the process of scheduling a consultation with a urologist and identifying the underlying issue.
Kukreja mentioned that Sanders’ tumor was detected early, preventing it from metastasizing into a more severe condition.
“I didn’t experience any symptoms,” Sanders stated.
Sanders provided details about his experiences since the surgery, noting that he “can’t urinate as he used to. It’s completely different.” He also mentioned a weight loss of 25 pounds at one point.
“I rely on Depend, if you understand what I mean,” Sanders remarked. “I can’t manage my bladder. Therefore, I wake up to use the restroom roughly 4-5 times each night. And I find myself waking up similar to my grandson. We are in a comparable situation. We are facing the same challenges and hardships.”
Sanders indicated that spectators may observe a portable restroom on the sidelines during Colorado games this fall and conveyed his desire to serve as an example for individuals who may be undergoing similar cancer diagnoses. His new bladder was constructed using portions of his intestine.
“It’s just entirely distinct, and I recognize that numerous individuals are encountering what I am and confronting what I am, so let’s discontinue feeling embarrassed about it and address it. Let’s confront it directly.”
Sanders’ press conference followed his social media announcement that he had recently finalized his will. He mentioned that he informed his coaching staff and team about his cancer diagnosis on Sunday.
“You don’t want to act foolishly by departing without arranging your business matters,” Sanders stated.
The vascular tests are routine for Sanders due to his experience with two toe amputations on his left foot in 2021 during his tenure as coach at Jackson State. The toes were removed after Sanders experienced a blood clot and compartment syndrome. He mentioned on Monday that he has undergone 14 surgeries since 2021.
Sanders is entering his third season as the head coach of Colorado. The Buffaloes achieved a 9-4 record in 2024 after a 4-8 showing during his inaugural season in Boulder.
