The Colorado Buffaloes HC Deion Sanders was one of the toughest players of his time. But cancer has taken down even the strongest, and most don’t make it through, even with full support from family and friends.
Coach Prime didn’t just fight; he did it privately and came out on top. That quiet victory says more about his strength than any highlight reel ever could.
How Has Deion Sanders Grown as a Coach After His Battle With Cancer?
Today, Coach Prime is undoubtedly a source of hope for many cancer patients. Why? On July 28, 2025, Sanders publicly revealed for the first time that he had been diagnosed with bladder cancer and that he’s now cancer-free. In a 40-minute press conference with his medical team, Sanders shared that he had no symptoms, risk factors, or warning signs.
More recently, on “Good Morning America,” the Colorado Buffaloes head coach opened up about his private battle. He shed light on how the experience has changed not only his life but also his approach to coaching.
“I think I’m tougher,” Sanders said, before sharing a powerful example of how he motivates his players. “Coach has been on the bed looking up, didn’t know if I was going to be here still, and you’re tripping because you missed the tackle or missed the sack or missed the pass… No, we ain’t got time for that, let’s go.”
Coach Prime returned to the field this summer with renewed purpose. Colorado had an up-and-down start to the season, but after a solid win over Wyoming last Saturday, the team is trending in the right direction.
Before the win, the Buffaloes had many question marks, most notably at QB1, which made fans reminisce about the previous two seasons with Shedeur Sanders at the helm.
But after the Wyoming game, QB Kaidon Salter seems to be returning to his QB1 role. He threw three touchdown passes and ran for a game-sealing score as Colorado beat Wyoming 37–20 on Saturday night.
Salter, who lost his job in Week 3 to Ryan Staub, finished 18 of 28 for 304 yards. He also rushed for 86 yards to help the Buffaloes (2–2) rebound from a loss last Friday at Houston.
Colorado led 28–3 early in the third quarter before the Cowboys (2–2) began to rally. The momentum was interrupted when the Buffaloes’ defensive end Arden Walker sacked Kaden Anderson in the end zone for a safety to make it 30–13. After a Cowboys score, Salter put the game away with a 35-yard TD run with 1:46 left.
Colorado will play at home for the fourth time in five games when it faces BYU on Saturday. With Coach Prime’s new mindset following his cancer battle and a clear QB1, the Buffaloes are expected to get the win.
