Deion Sanders reveals bladder cancer diagnosis but says he’s considered “cancer free” after treatment

Head Colorado Buffaloes football Coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, along with his medical team, including representatives from CU Anschutz and UCHealth, spoke about his bladder cancer diagnosis on Monday morning for the first 2025 camp news conference.

Sanders’ doctor confirmed that his bladder was removed after the cancer diagnosis and they proceeded with the creation of a new bladder. She also said that Sanders is currently cancer-free.

“We removed the tumor. It was very high-grade and invading through the bladder wall. Not into the muscle layer, something we call very high-risk, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer,” said Dr. Janet Kukreja with CU Cancer Center at the University of Colorado Hospital.

Sanders appeared in good spirits at the news conference, wearing a cowboy hat and overalls along with his signature sunglasses. 

“It has been a tremendous journey,” said Sanders as he became emotional. “God is good… God is good… You have no idea.”

“I never once in this journey said, ‘God, why me?'” 

Sanders said that no one knew about his cancer diagnosis, not even the team. He also said he will remain in his position as head coach for the football team. 

“So, I don’t mind going through the afflications that I go through because I know the result and we’re helping some folks today. There are some folks right now calling the doctors to schedule checkups, and there are some wives out there saying, ‘Baby, I told you,’ ” said Sanders. “Because if it can happen to Prime, it can happen to you.” 

Kukreja said Sanders’ outlook was “very good” and that they would keep him on surveillance with routine scans. 

She said that new bladders are created for patients using their own intestines. 

There has been speculation about his health after he hadn’t been seen in public for some time after the end of spring practice in April. Sanders took to social media last month to say that he was OK. 

“Coach Prime’s Playbook with Romi Bean,” featuring Deion Sanders, returns to CBS Colorado in August.