Colorado Buffaloes' Deion Sanders Addresses Quit Rumors, Cancer, Surgery

Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders had surgery to remove bladder cancer, a procedure that has kept him away from the football program. Sanders held a press conference with his medical team on Monday morning and addressed his health and rumors he is quitting.

Sep 16, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders on the set of ESPN College GameDay prior to the game between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Colorado State Rams at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-Imagn Images | Andrew Wevers-Imagn Images

Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders has been battling an undisclosed medical condition that has kept him away from the football program over the last couple months.

In an unprecedented move, Sanders held a press conference with his medical team on Monday morning and addressed his health. Dr. Janet Kukreja revealed they removed Sanders' bladder after doctors discovered a tumor on his bladder. The procedure was successful, and Kukreja reported that Sanders is cured from the cancer.

Sep 16, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders on the set of ESPN College GameDay prior to the game between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Colorado State Rams at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-Imagn Images | Andrew Wevers-Imagn Images

While there has been speculation and rumors that Sanders would quit or step away from the Colorado program, "Coach Prime" doubled down on his commitment to the Buffaloes.

"We're gonna get started with sort of like a timeline on what's all has been transpiring. I know you're probably thinking something's gonna happen today that ain't gonna happen. I don't know where you get the news from. We're gonna kind of break it down to you," said Sanders.

"It wasn't easy. Men, everybody get checked out because if it wasn't for me, getting tested for something else, they wouldn't have stumbled up on this. And make sure you go to the get the right care because without wonderful people like this, I probably wouldn't be sitting here today because it grew so expeditiously," Sanders said when explaining his recovery.

Multiple accounts on Twitter/X speculated about Sanders' stepping away from the program, including one from @CollegeFBPortal that claimed sources said Sanders would announce it at the press conference.

"I always knew I was gonna coach again," Sanders said. "It was never in my spirit, in my heart, that God wouldn't allow me to coach again."

Sanders is no stranger to speculation that he is departing Colorado. Back in November of 2024 Sanders addressed his desire to stay in Boulder, despite interest from the Dallas Cowboys.

Jul 9, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; Colorado head coach Deion Sanders walks onto the stage during 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

"I'm happy where I am, man," Sanders said. "I've got a kickstand down. You know what a kickstand is? ... That means I'm resting. I'm good, I'm happy, I'm excited. I'm enthusiastic about where I am. I love it here, truly do."

Sanders handles constant media attention and coaching pressures. The profession is undoubtedly demanding. Many coaches in college and pros have had to take leaves of absence or retire, due to ongoing health issues. Gregg Popovich stepped down as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs due to a mild stroke, Kansas coach Bill Self experienced heart-related issues that lead to him missing games, Urban Meyer retired from coaching at Ohio State due to a cyst in his brain.

Apr 19, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders during the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Colorado fans are concerned for the 57-year-old Coach Prime's long-term health.

In 2022, while coaching at Jackson State, Sanders underwent multiple surgeries on his foot, resulting in the amputation of two toes. Despite those setbacks, he returned to the Jackson State sidelines with an intensity that made him a Hall of Fame player.

Jul 9, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; Colorado head coach Deion Sanders speaks with the media during 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

MORE: Deion Sanders Gives Positive Update On Health Issues At Big 12 Media Days

MORE: Deion Sanders Shares Truth About Colorado Buffaloes After Losing Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter

MORE: Deion Sanders Wants Salary Cap In College Football, Transfer Portal Investigations, NFL Rules

Sanders discussed his health issues more in depth during a podcast with former NFL cornerback Asante Samuel in May, revealing that he has lost 14 pounds. "Coach Prime" had been recovering at his house in Texas and missed summer football camps in Boulder.

During Sanders time away from the team, other members of the Buffaloes coaching staff have stepped up. Colorado head strength and conditioning coach Andreu Swasey has been vocal and motivating while Sanders recuperates.

Oct 26, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders leads out the team before the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Sanders is one of the most recognizable and popular college football coaches in the nation. He is forward-thinking as an ambassador of the sport.

The Buffaloes are gearing up for their third season under Sanders and there are not shortages of storylines or attention.

After finishing 9-4 (7-2 Big 12) in 2024, can Colorado continue it's winning ways without star quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way star Travis Hunter? Will "Coach Prime" be healthy enough to lead the team all season? How will the quarterback competition between transfer Kaidon Salter and freshman Julian Lewis shake out?

Colorado kicks off the 2025-26 football season on August 29 vs. Georgia Tech at Folsom Field.