Buffs Beat

Georgia Tech's Brent Key Sends Message To Deion Sanders Ahead Of Opener

Earlier this week, Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders shared that he is recovering from bladder cancer. With just four weeks until Colorado hosts Georgia Tech to kick off the season, Yellow Jackets coach Brent Key offered a message of support to "Coach Prime."
Ben Armendariz|
Jul 23, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Georgia Tech Head Coach Brent Key answers questions from the media during ACC Media days at Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Jul 23, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Georgia Tech Head Coach Brent Key answers questions from the media during ACC Media days at Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

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Colorado BuffaloesGeorgia Tech Yellow Jackets

College football’s return is just around the corner, but this week, a moment away from the field captured the national spotlight.

Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders revealed that he had quietly battled and overcome bladder cancer and would resume his full coaching duties as fall camp begins in Boulder.

Jul 9, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; Colorado head coach Deion Sanders speaks with the media during 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days
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

His words quickly drew support from across the college football world, with fans, players, and coaches praising his transparency and resilience. The outpouring reflected the respect Sanders commands both as a coach and as a cultural icon.

During a press conference in Atlanta on Tuesday, Georgia Tech coach Brent Key offered his own heartfelt message to Sanders: “I wish him a full recovery, a speedy recovery,” Key said.

“I admire the courage it takes to come out and talk about that in public and encourage other people to get themselves checked and tested. I mean, it hits home with a lot of people, I'm sure. So I really look forward to him being on the other sideline in a month from now. But glad to see he's pushed through it. The grit and toughness that he has, I mean that’s why the team plays the way they do.”

Sanders’ announcement included personal details about his journey, including a 25-pound weight loss and surgery to remove his bladder. The NFL Hall of Famer explained that he chose to share his story to raise awareness and encourage others to be proactive about their health.  

Key’s comments reflected not just professional courtesy, but a deeper understanding of the physical and mental toll the job can take, and the strength it requires to keep leading through adversity.

Buffaloes Back on the Field

On Tuesday, Colorado held its first official day of fall camp. "Coach Prime" returned to the field for the first time in weeks, leading drills, overseeing scrimmage reps, and reuniting with players and staff at Folsom Field.

After a demanding offseason of conditioning under head strength and conditioning coach Andreu Swasey, the Buffs looked energized, competitive, and locked in. Footage from Well Off Media showed players flying around the field, taking instructions well, and competing with intensity.

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

While fans got a preview during the spring game, it also marked the first true glimpse of how this year’s team is shaping up without former stars Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, both now in the NFL.

Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur will be tasked with developing freshman quarterback Julian "JuJu" Lewis while maximizing the potential of dual-threat quarterback Kaidon Salter, along with returning playmakers like wide receivers Omarion Miller and Drelon Miller.

Defensively, the Buffs return standout corners DJ McKinney and Preston Hodge, as well as a deep, experienced defensive line, which has already created an early buzz in camp with returners like Arden Walker, Sam Okunlola, Keaten Wade, and Amari McNeill.

Countdown to Week 1

Colorado opens the season on August 29 against Georgia Tech in Boulder. It marks the start of "Coach Prime's" third year at the helm, and a major early test for a Colorado team looking to develop a new identity in 2025.

"Coach Prime" has set the tone, returning to the program with clarity, purpose, and a renewed determination. Now, the stage is set for an emotional and high-stakes season opener in Boulder.

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Ben Armendariz
BEN ARMENDARIZ

Ben Armendariz is a reporter for Colorado Buffaloes on SI, part of the Sports Illustrated Network. While earning his bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a minor in Sports Media from the University of Colorado, he contributed to Buffs coverage through CUBuffs.com and Sko Buff Sports. He’s also covered professional combat sports as a contributor for FloCombat. A lifelong sports fan, Ben is now pursuing a master’s degree in Sports Management at Texas A&M University, with plans to build a long-term career in sports media. His passion for storytelling, in-depth analysis, and unique perspectives on sports marketing and sponsorships set his work apart. Outside of reporting and school, he enjoys attending Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets games and running his online vintage retail business.

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