In 2012, Deion Sanders transitioned from a Hall of Fame, two-sport professional athlete to a college football head coach. The transition worked perfectly as he rejuvenated the excitement surrounding the Colorado Buffaloes’ football with some magnificent wins.
In the 2025 season, Colorado struggled, finishing 3-9Â and placing No. 62 in the PFSN College Football Playoff Rankings. However, Coach Prime’s dedication stands out, as he guided the squad despite facing multiple health challenges.
Shilo Sanders’ Career Choice Shaped by Deion Sanders’ Health Issues
Deion Sanders’ son, Shilo Sanders, shared a video on Sunday on his YouTube channel showing him shopping for furniture for his Miami home. During the outing, Shilo ran into a woman who suggested he consider a coaching career, and he approached the topic with his usual humor.
“I don’t have the patience to coach,” Shilo said. “You see, Coach Prime, like all these health problems and stuff, like his blood just rising. If he just chilled, I promise you he’ll be the healthiest man. He’ll still have his toes. But nah. I mean, it’s a stressful job, you know, like I’m not trying to go bald.”
However, Coach Prime is a fighter and is determined to keep coaching. In an interview with Associated Press reporter Pat Graham, he said he plans to coach as long as he feels the drive to keep going.
Coach Prime has faced significant health issues over the years, including recurring blood clots caused by a hereditary condition. In 2023, he underwent multiple surgeries to remove clots and improve circulation. He underwent another procedure for resurfacing blood clots in October in his left leg, but returned to practice a day later.
Routine checks for Sanders’ vascular condition revealed a high-risk, aggressive bladder tumor in April. In an interview with Colorado Buffaloes Sports Illustrated reporter Bri Amaranthus last month, he spoke about his hard moments after knowing about his cancer diagnosis.
“When I first heard the words ‘you have cancer,’ everything got quiet,” Sanders said. “It hits you different. I went straight to prayer and said, ‘Alright, Lord- what’s the plan?’ I’ve faced a lot of challenges in life, but this one brought me to my knees,” Sanders told Amaranthus.
“Still, I never stopped believing. Once the competitor in me kicked in, it became another opponent to beat. I wasn’t going to let it define me. I fought, leaned on my faith, my family, my kids, my team, my purpose, and most importantly God- and here I am, stronger than ever.”
Sanders ultimately chose to have his bladder fully removed to prevent the cancer from spreading. Surgeons reconstructed a new bladder using a portion of his small intestine, and doctors confirmed following the surgery that he is cancer-free.
