Deion Sanders announces he'll coach the Colorado Buffaloes this season despite undergoing bladder cancer surgery

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders revealed during a Monday press conference that he had been battling a particularly aggressive form of bladder cancer. Thankfully, following surgery that involved the removal of his bladder, his oncologist now considers him cancer-free.

Dr. Janet Kukreja, who heads urologic oncology at the CU Cancer Center and UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, confirmed that the procedure was a crucial part of the treatment plan, and ultimately a successful one.

Despite the life-altering diagnosis and intense medical ordeal, Coach Prime isn't stepping away from the sidelines as rumoured by many heading into the press conference. As he gears up for his third year leading the Buffaloes, Sanders made it clear that he’s ready to guide his team through the upcoming season with the same energy and determination he's known for.

It's yet another chapter in Sanders' remarkable story, one filled with battles on and off the field, and one he continues to face with courage, resilience, and that trademark Prime confidence.

Deion Sanders' health has been a quiet concern in recent years, especially after undergoing surgery in 2021 that led to the amputation of two toes due to complications from blood clots. While he’s kept much of his condition under wraps, his limited public appearances this summer sparked questions.

Following his absence from several football camps in Boulder, Sanders took to social media in June to reassure fans. Then came a somber revelation over the weekend. In a heartfelt video shared Sunday, Sanders disclosed that he wrote a will back in May, a candid admission that underscored just how serious things had become.

A press conference was scheduled for Monday, where more clarity was expected. In true Coach Prime fashion, the announcement landed like a bombshell, leaving fans concerned. Yet, even amid the bombshell news, Sanders made one thing crystal clear: he's not planning to step away. Set to lead the Buffaloes into his third year at the helm, Sanders remains firmly committed to leading Colorado forward.

Sanders kept a heavy secret close to the chest during the NFL Draft, where his sons were beginning their professional journeys. While the world watched the Sanders family celebrate, Coach Prime was privately grappling with something far more serious: a cancer diagnosis.

Unwilling to cloud his sons' big day, Sanders chose not to share the news with them, determined to let them focus on launching their careers. Behind the scenes, however, he was undergoing a difficult and life-altering fight. Doctors discovered a bladder tumor, and after multiple procedures and complications, Sanders ultimately underwent bladder removal surgery. The toll was significant, he dropped 25 pounds this summer and has been honest about the changes he's facing, even admitting, "I can’t pee like I used to pee."

But now, there's light at the end of the tunnel. Sanders is officially cancer-free, and true to form, he’s using his experience to help others. His message to fans, players, and anyone listening is simple but powerful: "Go get checked."

Deion Sanders was a force of nature on the field, and he's brought that same flair to the sidelines. Since stepping into the college coaching scene, he's shaken things up in a major way.

Sanders made waves at FCS Jackson State starting in 2020, quickly earning a reputation as a recruiting dynamo. He didn't just talk the talk, he landed elite talents like Travis Hunter and his son Shedeur Sanders, turning Jackson into a must-watch HBCU program with 27 wins across three seasons. That success lit the path to Boulder, where he took over a struggling Colorado squad and sparked a fast-track revival.

The Buffaloes, who limped to a 1-11 finish before Sanders arrived, jumped to 4-8 in his first year. Last season, they soared to a 9-4 record and cracked the final AP Top 25 for just the second time since 2003. Even with standout stars like Hunter (the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft), Horn, and Wester now gone, there's still a strong buzz surrounding Colorado as it gears up for life in the Big 12.

Set to turn 58 next month, HC Sanders locked in his long-term future with Colorado by agreeing to a big-money contract extension back in March, keeping him at the helm through the 2029 season.

Colorado will kick off its 2025 football campaign under the Friday night lights on August 29, welcoming Georgia Tech to Folsom Field in a nationally televised clash on ESPN.

This season marks a rare occasion in program history, as it will be only the second time the Buffaloes host more than six games in a single year. With seven home contests lined up in Boulder this fall, fans can expect plenty of action on familiar turf.