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 health. The event took place at the Dallas Cowboys' headquarters, approximately 75 miles from Sanders' ranch in Canton, Texas.
Sanders, entering his third season with the Buffaloes, made it clear that his focus was solely on his team. "I'm not here to talk about my health," he stated firmly. "I'm here to talk about my team."
His appearance at the media event marked his return after an extended absence from football camps in Boulder following the team's spring game on April 19th. The university had previously acknowledged reports of Sanders' illness but refrained from disclosing specifics.
Despite the swirling questions, Sanders offered a general reassurance. "I’m looking good. I’m living lovely. God has truly blessed me," he said. "Not a care in the world. Not a want or desire in the world."
During a nearly 17-minute Q&A session, Sanders touched on various subjects, including his coaching staff, quarterbacks, and even Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire. He participated in a roundtable discussion with other coaches but opted out of his scheduled media breakout session.
Sanders' health has been a recurring concern. He underwent amputation of two toes on his left foot in 2021 due to blood clot issues stemming from his time at Jackson State. In 2023, during his first year at Colorado, he missed Pac-12 media day after a procedure to remove a blood clot from his right leg and another to straighten toes on his left foot.
Colorado athletic director Rick George acknowledged the ongoing communication between him and Sanders but refrained from elaborating on the coach's health status. He indicated that Sanders would likely return to campus within a week or two. "We always talk. We text, we talk," George said, emphasizing their strong relationship built on trust.
Sanders expressed gratitude for the support he has received from Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark, who he said called him daily, and fellow league coaches who have reached out to check on his well-being. "I love them, they've been calling and checking on me, making sure I'm straight," Sanders shared.
This upcoming season marks a significant change for Sanders, as he will be without either of his sons on the team. Shedeur Sanders was drafted by the Cleveland Browns, and Shilo Sanders signed with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent. Adding to the transition, Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, who played for Sanders at both Jackson State and Colorado and was considered like a son to him, was drafted by Jacksonville.
Sanders reflected on the shift in his role, stating, "Now I only have to be a coach. I don't have the coach and a dad." He elaborated on the challenges of balancing coaching responsibilities with parental duties, emphasizing the ability to now fully dedicate his attention to all the young men on his team.
Under Sanders' leadership, the Buffaloes have achieved a 13-12 record in two seasons. Last season, in their return to the Big 12, they narrowly missed the league championship game due to a tiebreaker, finishing with a 7-2 conference record.
Sanders is currently under contract with Colorado through the 2029 season, having agreed to a new $54 million, five-year deal that made him the Big 12’s highest-paid coach. This replaced his initial five-year deal from when he arrived from Jackson State. Before arriving at Colorado, Sanders led Jackson State to a 27-6 record over three seasons.
When asked about Sanders' tenure at Colorado, Athletic Director George simply described it as "Fun and exciting."
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