Earlier this fall, Deion Sanders, head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, got personal with his fight against bladder cancer. He released the details during a widely anticipated press conference at the Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas, on July 9, 2025. In a candid conversation with the media, he emphasized the importance of addressing personal struggles, stating, “The Bible clearly depicts that in this world we’re gonna have tribulation.”
Sanders’ first television interview with George Stephanopoulos on ABC’s Good Morning America Plus, taped on September 23, 2025. He shared his journey with the daily struggles he encountered after receiving a diagnosis of high-risk, non–muscle invasive bladder cancer. He explained that additional tests indicated a 50 percent likelihood of the cancer recurrence. After hearing that he had cancer, Sanders decided to have his bladder removed within nine days of receiving that diagnosis.
Reflecting on his medical journey, Sanders recounted arriving to a doctor’s visit more upset than anxious. He remembered the blinding pain that he felt after surgery when told to start urinating.
“So, I remember laying there and they said, ‘Well, you need to go try to pee.’ That was the most excruciating pain I’ve ever felt in my life,” – Deion Sanders.
In a rare moment of vulnerability, Sanders got candid about the toll his campaign has taken on his body. These struggles are a permanent outcome of his procedure. He shared that on a bad night he can use upwards of two pairs of Depends because of nighttime incontinence. Even with all of these challenges, he told me he has no regrets about choosing to have surgery.
“I choose to rise up, man, not to stay down. I choose to share,” – Deion Sanders.
During his interview with Michael Strahan on “Good Morning America,” Sanders elaborated on how men often avoid discussing such issues out of fear of appearing vulnerable. He stated, “But men never talk about stuff like this. We hide it ’cause we wanna be big and strong and massive and not vulnerable. No, man. This is real. This is what I’m dealing with.”
Sanders’ vulnerability was meant to inspire others facing the same battle. He urged everyone to identify their individual journeys and focused on the power of perseverance.
“And I want everybody to understand you can make it, man. We all got somethin’ we fightin’. Who out there right now ain’t fighting somethin’? It may not be cancer, but it’s somethin’. But you can overcome it. We can do this,” – Deion Sanders.
As he continues his coaching career while navigating the aftermath of his health challenges, Sanders remains an inspiration to many. His willingness to share his experience sheds light on the importance of discussing health issues openly and supporting one another through life’s tribulations.
