Deion Sanders started 'ranking his kids again' in hilarious callback only moments after announcing he's cancer-free entering 2025 season
On Monday, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders disclosed that he was diagnosed with bladder cancer earlier this year during a news conference as the team prepares for the 2025 season's fall camp. While the tone of the announcement was serious, Sanders was sure to work in funny, grateful, and relaxed moments. “The funny thing about […]
On Monday, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders disclosed that he was diagnosed with bladder cancer earlier this year during a news conference as the team prepares for the 2025 season's fall camp. While the tone of the announcement was serious, Sanders was sure to work in funny, grateful, and relaxed moments.
“The funny thing about that is you start ranking your kids again," Sanders joked as he talked about making a Will in case he didn't survive the scare. The reference brought back a quote where he made light of how Shedeur and Shilo were his favorites based on how they played on the field.
Dr. Janet Kukreja from the University of Colorado Cancer Center explained that Sanders underwent bladder removal surgery after a malignant tumor was detected, noting that he is now cancer-free. She highlighted the cancer’s high recurrence rate, which led Sanders to opt for the curative surgery.
Sanders shared that he learned of the upcoming surgery around the time his son, Shedeur Sanders, experienced a challenging NFL Draft, dropping from a potential first-round pick to the fifth round. The Pro Football Hall of Famer had been absent from the team after spring practice, staying at his Texas home to address health concerns. At the Big 12 media days in July, he avoided discussing his health publicly.
Despite the diagnosis, Sanders emphasized that stepping away from coaching was never an option. He drew inspiration from conversations with Randy Moss, who was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in 2024 and plans to resume his ESPN role full-time in 2025. According to Colorado assistant athletic trainer Lauren Askevold, Sanders’ cancer was detected during routine vascular tests, prompted by a call from his primary care doctor, which led to a urologist visit and the diagnosis.
Dr. Kukreja noted that the early detection of the tumor prevented it from spreading, averting a more severe outcome. Sanders mentioned that fans might notice a portable toilet on the sidelines during Colorado games this fall, as his new bladder was constructed using parts of his intestines. He aims to be a role model for others facing similar diagnoses.
Sanders informed his coaching staff and team about his condition on Sunday and recently updated his will, which he shared on social media. He has undergone 14 surgeries since 2021, including the amputation of two toes on his left foot due to a blood clot and compartment syndrome while coaching at Jackson State.
Now in his third season with Colorado, Sanders led the Buffaloes to a 9-4 record in 2024, an improvement from 4-8 in his debut year.
