Deion Sanders Reveals Bladder Cancer Battle: “That Was a Fight, But We Made It”

Micheal Lamonte | Ejsports

In a powerful and emotional appearance at the University of Colorado’s Dal Ward Athletic Center, head football coach Deion Sanders revealed Monday that he recently underwent surgery to remove his bladder after doctors discovered a cancerous tumor.

Flanked by Dr. Janet Kukreja, director of urological oncology at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, and team trainer Lauren Askevold, Sanders announced that he is now cancer-free and fully committed to leading the Buffaloes into the 2025 season.

“This was not an easy task… It was dynamic. It was tough. It wasn’t a cakewalk,” Sanders told a packed Touchdown Club audience. “That was a fight, but we made it.”

The diagnosis came as a shock during a routine vascular exam, part of Sanders’ regular monitoring for blood clots—a condition that previously led to the amputation of two toes and multiple surgeries. This time, doctors found something far more life-threatening: a tumor in his bladder. Sanders underwent major surgery, during which part of his small intestine was used to construct a neobladder—a complex but increasingly common solution for bladder cancer patients. Despite the life-altering nature of the procedure, Dr. Kukreja declared Sanders "cured," noting she does not use that word lightly. While the public remained largely unaware of his health struggles, Sanders quietly stepped away from much of the team’s offseason activities. He kept the diagnosis private, even from his sons Shedeur and Shilo Sanders—both preparing for the NFL Draft—and star player Travis Hunter, to allow them to focus on their futures without the weight of his condition.

“They didn’t know the extent of it,” Sanders said. “I wanted them to concentrate on making the team, not worrying about Dad.”

Still, the 57-year-old coach retained his signature sense of humor, even joking about his new game-day routine.

“I can’t pee like I used to… I depend on Depends,” Sanders quipped. “If you see a port-a-potty on the sideline, it is real.”

Behind the laughter, Sanders delivered a serious message about the importance of preventive care and early detection.

“Get checked out,” he urged. “It could have been a whole other kind of gathering if I didn’t.”

On the field, Sanders will enter his third season at Colorado without his son Shedeur under center for the first time. The Buffs are coming off a 9–4 season and an Alamo Bowl appearance, driven by standout campaigns from Shedeur and two-way phenom Travis Hunter.

Now, attention turns to the quarterback competition between Julian Lewis, a 17-year-old five-star recruit ranked No. 2 in the ESPN 300, and Kaidon Salter, a transfer from Liberty with 24 career starts. With Shilo Sanders and other stars off to the NFL, 2025 represents a new chapter for Colorado—and for Coach Prime.

Despite the challenges off the field, Sanders remains focused and energized, preaching faith, resilience, and the drive to overcome.

“It is real. It’s life. But I’m here. And I’m ready.”