Colorado coach Deion Sanders revealed on Monday that he had been diagnosed with a severe form of bladder cancer. Following successful surgery, his oncologist has declared him cancer-free, allowing him to resume coaching for the upcoming season. Dr. Janet Kukreja, the director of urologic oncology at the CU Cancer Center/UCHealth University of Colorado hospital, shared that Sanders underwent bladder removal as part of his treatment plan.
Sanders, who is set to turn 58 next month, addressed the media ahead of fall camp, marking his third season leading the Buffaloes. He spoke about his medical journey, which included reconstructing a section of his intestine to serve as a replacement bladder. Fortunately, he will not require radiation or chemotherapy, as confirmed by Kukreja.
Despite the challenges faced during his battle with cancer, Sanders maintained a positive attitude throughout the process. He expressed gratitude for the support from friends, family, and fellow athletes, including Randy Moss, who reached out regularly to offer encouragement and prayers.
Emphasizing the importance of early detection, Sanders highlighted the significance of routine screenings in catching his cancer at a treatable stage. He returned to campus recently, sharing his recovery progress on social media, and is eager to lead the Buffaloes into the upcoming season.
Sanders, known for his resilience and unwavering faith, is ready to tackle the challenges ahead, both on and off the field. With his health on the mend, he is prepared to guide his team to success, as they gear up for their season opener against Georgia Tech at Folsom Field on August 29.