Deion Sanders Shuts Down Questions About His Health Issues

Deion Sanders wants the focus to be on his team — not his health. 

The Colorado Buffaloes football coach and former NFL star, 57, spoke to the press at Big 12 media day on Wednesday, July 9, but declined to comment on his unknown health issue that previously kept him away from his job. 

“So, I’m really not gon’ tell you much. You know that,” Sanders said to a reporter, as laugher was heard off-camera in footage shared by ESPN. 

He continued, “I’m not here to talk about my health. I’m here to talk about my team.”

When asked what an “average day” on “the ranch” looks like for Coach Prime, he replied: “Average day I’m looking good. I’m living lovely. God has truly blessed me. Not a care in the world. Not a want or a desire in the world.”

Additionally, he told the sports outlet he plans to return to the University of Colorado-Boulder football field soon.

“I’m already back,” Sanders told ESPN on Wednesday. “I’m here today. I’m handling my responsibilities. So I look forward to it. I can’t wait. You’ve got to understand, some of the young [players] I haven’t even met yet. I’m so excited about that.”

In March 2022, the NFL Hall of Famer revealed that he had his left big toe and second toe amputated. He later underwent several surgeries to treat blood clots in his legs.

He spoke openly about each in a video posted on his Instagram the day before his surgery, as well as on the Barstool Sports and SMAC Entertainment docuseries Coach Prime.

However, it was his eldest son, Deion Jr., 31, who reportedly said in a YouTube livestream in June 2025 that his father was dealing with an unspecified health issue.

“He’ll tell y’all soon enough what he going through, what he went through,” Deion Jr. said on the livestream, and added that Sanders was “feeling well.”

The 31-year-old added, “When we get back in Boulder, I don’t know. I’m waiting until my dad leaves. When he leaves, then I’ll go. Until then, I’m gonna sit here with him.”

One day later, Sanders thanked his fans for their support and said “everything is okay” with him.

“Wow, I am truly blessed for the abundance of well wishes, for all the thoughts and all of the prayers,” Sanders began in a post on X. “THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I can assure you all that everything is OKAY and will continue to be so. God got me like no other. I have so much more work to do to Glorify God so please believe God got me!”

He also said he was “excited to get back to Colorado” and be back with the “staff, team & all associated to our program.”

Prior to the livestream, Sanders missed a series of previously scheduled events he was slated to attend. 

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In early June, the Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research said in a statement that Sanders canceled his appearance at a sickle cell disease symposium in Florida, “due to an unavoidable last-minute scheduling change.” Hall of Fame NBA star Magic Johnson filled in for the Buffaloes coach.

Sanders also missed the wedding of Colorado star and 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter in May, ESPN reported.