Deion Sanders, the charismatic head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, addressed the media at Big 12 football media days in Frisco, Texas, but remained tight-lipped about his recent absence and any underlying health concerns. The event, held at the Dallas Cowboys' headquarters, marked Sanders' first public appearance after an extended period away from the team's activities in Boulder.
Sanders, entering his third season at the helm of the Buffaloes, made it clear that his focus was solely on his team. When asked directly about his health, he deflected, stating, "I'm not here to talk about my health. I'm here to talk about my team." He did offer a general assurance, saying, "I’m looking good. I’m living lovely. God has truly blessed me. Not a care in the world. Not a want or desire in the world."
His absence had fueled speculation, particularly after he missed football camps in Boulder following the team's spring game on April 19th. The university had previously acknowledged reports of the coach's illness but declined to provide specific details, citing privacy concerns.
During the 17-minute question-and-answer session, Sanders touched on various topics, including his coaching staff, the team's quarterbacks, and even offered a comment about Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire. He later participated in a roundtable discussion with other coaches but opted out of the individual media breakout session scheduled for each coach.
Sanders' history with foot and leg health issues is well-documented. In 2021, while coaching at Jackson State, he underwent surgery to amputate two toes on his left foot due to blood clot complications. These issues have continued to impact him. In 2023, his first year at Colorado, he missed Pac-12 media day after undergoing procedures to remove a blood clot from his right leg and straighten toes on his left foot. Whether his recent absence is related to these past issues remains unclear.
Colorado Athletic Director Rick George acknowledged the concerns surrounding Sanders' health but also refrained from providing specifics. He emphasized the strong communication between himself and the coach. "We always talk. We text, we talk," George said. "We have a great relationship. We trust each other." George also indicated that Sanders was expected to return to campus within a week or two.
Sanders also mentioned the support he has received from Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark and other coaches in the league. "I love them, they've been calling and checking on me, making sure I'm straight," Sanders said.
This season marks a significant transition for Sanders, as he will be without his sons, Shedeur and Shilo, on the team. Shedeur Sanders, the former quarterback, was drafted by the Cleveland Browns, and Shilo Sanders signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent.
The departure of Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, who played both offense and defense, also leaves a void. Hunter, who played under Sanders at both Jackson State and Colorado, was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Sanders addressed this shift, noting the change in his role now that he's no longer coaching his sons. "Now I only have to be a coach. I don't have the coach and a dad," Sanders said. "You've got to understand, when you're the coach and the dad ... make sure you watch the defense, make sure you watch the offense, but you want to watch your kids as well. I don't have to have that dilemma. Now I can just pour into everything I got into all of these young men.”
Sanders' Coaching Record and Contract:
- Colorado Buffaloes (2 seasons): 13-12
- Jackson State (3 seasons): 27-6
The Buffaloes narrowly missed the Big 12 championship game last season, finishing with a 7-2 conference record but losing out on a tiebreaker. Sanders is currently under contract with Colorado through the 2029 season, having signed a new five-year, $54 million deal this spring. This contract makes him the highest-paid coach in the Big 12. The new deal replaced the final three years of his initial five-year, $29.5 million contract he signed when he arrived from Jackson State.
When asked to describe Sanders' tenure at Colorado so far, Athletic Director George simply stated, "Fun and exciting."
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