Deion Sanders, a renowned Pro Football Hall of Famer and current football coach at the University of Colorado, is celebrated not only for his athletic prowess but also for overcoming significant health challenges in recent years.
Sanders, the only athlete to compete in both a Super Bowl and a World Series, announced his victory over cancer during an interview on “Good Morning America.” He shared, “I got my life back. I got my swagger back.” His relief comes after battling blood clots that led to multiple toe amputations and a thrombectomy procedure on his left leg.
“I’m cancer free. I’m good,” Sanders expressed. “Great doctors in Colorado that have brought me through. God has brought me through. I’m thankful, I’m healthy. I got my swagger back. Like, I’m ready to go, coach my butt off. And I’m having a good time.”
Early detection was pivotal in his recovery. The discovery of an aggressive bladder cancer in 2025 occurred unexpectedly during a routine vascular exam. To treat the cancer, doctors performed surgery to remove his bladder and created a new one from a portion of his intestine.
Sanders discussed the challenges that arose following the surgery. “Now you’re sitting in the room, don’t know what’s what, can’t control your bladder,” he explained. “You’re peeing in the bed… I remember going to a speaking engagement… and I had to be there at 8:30. First thing I do is grab my crotch because I’m like, oh, my God, I hope I haven’t peed on myself.”
Despite such difficulties, Sanders managed to turn them into a positive by becoming a spokesperson for Depend, a brand specializing in adult incontinence products. “I don’t have to be afraid to travel anymore,” Sanders noted. “I don’t have to be afraid to have a good night’s sleep. I have the product that helps me.”
Now, with his health improving, Sanders is set to focus on coaching the Colorado Buffaloes for the upcoming season. When asked about his future goals, he confidently stated, “Winning… I’m healthy. I got my health back. I got my swagger back … I got my me back.”