Deion Sanders, head coach at Colorado, is focused on helping his football team recover from a recent loss rather than considering any changes to his coaching plans after facing health issues.
Sanders spoke Monday about his current priorities after the Buffaloes lost 53-7 to Utah. “I’m a one day at a time type of guy,” Sanders said Monday in an interview with The Associated Press. “We’ve got to win. That’s the only thing I’m worried about. My health is wonderful. I’m good. I’m not thinking about anything but winning.” He acknowledged that friends and fans have reached out over concerns about his well-being, especially after he underwent a procedure nearly three weeks ago for blood clots in his leg, following a diagnosis of an aggressive form of bladder cancer last spring.
“I’m going to coach until I don’t have that urge to get up in the morning and go get it and go help and go be a blessing,” said Sanders, who signed a five-year, $54 million extension last March.
The former Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee thanked those concerned about his health but said he feels better when staying active as coach. “My health is not going to increase sitting on the lake fishing,” Sanders said. “My health is not going increase sitting at my property in Texas, having a good time or sitting back, drinking some sweet iced teas and eating some honey buns and watching television.” He added: “I’m not damaging or putting my health at risk by doing what I’m doing. Matter of fact, it’s enhancing my health, doing the things I do.”
Sanders experienced pain during Colorado’s game against TCU on Oct. 4 due to issues related to blood clots but returned quickly after treatment without missing practice. His medical history includes previous blood clot problems while coaching Jackson State in 2021, which led doctors to amputate two toes on his left foot.
Reflecting on his battle with bladder cancer diagnosed earlier this year—and subsequent surgery—Sanders has emphasized early detection and mental strength during difficult times. Asked about handling low moments since his cancer diagnosis, he responded: “I don’t hit bottoms. I hit tops, man.”
“My head’s always up,” Sanders added as he made the rounds for RESTORE Hair, a hair restoration company in which he’s an ambassador. “My head ain’t never down. I’m not structured like that. So I don’t have those type of rock-bottom moments.”
Support comes from friends and family members including his daughters Deiondra (who recently had a baby) and Shelomi (playing basketball at Alabama A&M), along with sons Shilo (who was waived by Tampa Bay), Shedeur (now with Cleveland Browns), and Deion Jr., who covers Colorado through social media.
“My kids are great,” Deion Sanders said.
He also commented on managing disappointment after losses: “I’m great,” said Sanders, whose Buffaloes (3-5, 1-4 Big 12) play Arizona (4-3, 1-3) on Saturday. “I’m not great right now mentally because we just got our butts kicked. But I’ll be OK by Friday.”
As someone who played both Major League Baseball and professional football before being enshrined into the Hall in 2011, Sanders sees value in steady mindset management regardless of results: “I don’t get too high and I never get too low,” he said. “I have the baseball player’s mentality…But a baseball player, you must line up every day.”
Looking ahead, Sanders will continue leading Colorado while prioritizing both team performance and personal well-being.
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