Additional Coverage:
- Deion Sanders announces he is ‘cancer-free,’ thankful to be healthy heading into Year 4 at Colorado (cbssports.com)
Colorado football coach Deion Sanders has overcome a challenging battle with bladder cancer that sidelined him from spring practice last year and cast uncertainty over his coaching future. Having undergone the removal of his bladder, Sanders now reports that he is cancer-free and back to full health, ready to lead the Buffaloes with renewed vigor.
“I’ve got my health back. I’ve got my swagger back,” Sanders shared with Good Morning America.
“Last year at this time, I was fighting cancer, didn’t know which way it was going to go. … I’m fully back now.
Last year at this time, it wasn’t a good look.”
Sanders’ health journey was one of the most compelling stories in college football, intersecting with significant challenges for the program, including the departures of star players Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter to the NFL. During the season, Sanders was visibly struggling on the sidelines due to blood clots in his leg, which required a corrective procedure after a game against TCU. His history with blood clots had previously led to the amputation of two toes during his tenure at Jackson State.
“We fought the battle and we won the battle fighting cancer,” Sanders said. “I’m cancer-free.
I’m good. Great doctors in Colorado have brought me through.
God has brought me through. I’m thankful I’m healthy.”
Now fully engaged in coaching duties, Sanders has reignited his characteristic energy and presence. Following a disappointing finish last season, he made significant coaching staff adjustments and aggressively utilized the transfer portal, bringing in 43 new players-a class ranked 23rd nationally by 247Sports.
“I’m ready to go coach my butt off this season,” Sanders affirmed. “I’m having a good time.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Colorado’s program faces tempered expectations. After a high of nine wins in 2024 followed by nine losses last season, the Buffaloes are no longer a novelty but a program expected to deliver consistent results in the competitive Big 12 conference. While the team’s identity has matured, Sanders’ influence remains a central force, turning Colorado games into must-watch events that challenge opponents’ preparations.
Colorado aims for improvement through a refreshed defensive lineup and the anticipated growth of second-year quarterback Julian Lewis. Though the team is rebuilding after significant personnel turnover, Sanders’ leadership is a crucial asset as the Buffaloes seek to establish themselves as contenders rather than underdogs within the conference.
With Sanders back at full strength and in command, Colorado hopes to turn the page on last season’s struggles and demonstrate they belong among the competitive programs in the Big 12.