Colorado football head coach Deion Sanders announced that he is cancer-free, marking a significant recovery one year after undergoing surgery to remove his bladder. Sanders revealed the news to The Associated Press, expressing gratitude for his current health.
Sanders was diagnosed with a malignant tumor last spring following a routine checkup. The diagnosis came as a shock, and he recalled the intense period of treatment, stating, "Last year at this time, I was fighting."
He underwent cutting-edge robotic surgery to remove the cancerous bladder and reconstruct the organ using a portion of his intestine. Dr. Janet Kukreja, one of his physicians, explained to NPR that the technique utilizes the patient's own tissue, which can help prevent immune system rejection.
"It got me back in the game, got me back on my feet and got me out of the darn hospital and back into the normalcy of my life," Sanders said, adding that he wants others to know this surgical option exists. Prior to the procedure, the tumor was classified as "very high risk" with a 50-50 chance of recurrence or progression.
Sanders is expected to be fully prepared for Colorado's upcoming fall camp, a period he missed last season due to his cancer treatments. The team's performance last year saw them finish with a 3-9 record, a decline from their previous bowl game appearance supported by players like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter.
Reflecting on the past year and the team's outlook, Sanders expressed confidence in his coaching staff and the players' dedication. "I have the best coaching staff I've ever featured. Everybody's unified," he stated. "It's going to be phenomenal."