Deion Sanders looks to future with Colorado football after fighting bladder cancer in 2025.

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders is back — healthy, grateful, and fired up for the 2025 college football season after a battle with bladder cancer.

Speaking at a press conference on July 28, Sanders confirmed the health scare that sidelined him during spring practices was indeed cancer. Doctors removed and reconstructed his bladder using parts of his intestine, and now the cancer is gone.

“I can’t pee like I used to,” Sanders joked, “but I always knew I was going to coach again.”

The former NFL star didn’t shy away from sharing the real-life struggles that come with recovery. “I depend on Depend, if you know what I mean,” he said with a laugh. “I’m waking up 4-5 times a night like my grandson. We’re going through the same thing.”

Sanders was joined by his doctor, Dr. Janet Kukreja of the University of Colorado Cancer Center, and assistant athletic trainer Lauren Askevold during the announcement. Kukreja said Sanders is adjusting to a "new way of life," but he's healthy and ready to coach.

“I’ve built myself back up,” Sanders said. “I’m still about 12 pounds down, but I’m going to fill these overalls back up — like no other.”

Colorado's sideline setup will see a small change this season — portable toilets nearby — but Sanders says he's back at full strength. He never doubted he’d return to coaching, even during the toughest moments.

“I was always going to coach. That never left my spirit,” he said. “I just didn’t want to be running to the hospital every week. I even asked if they could bring the machines to my office.”

Heading into his third season at Colorado, Sanders faces fresh challenges. He’ll have to replace star player Travis Hunter Jr., the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 NFL Draft pick. He’s also breaking in a new quarterback — either Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter or freshman Julian Lewis — after his son, Shedeur Sanders, was drafted by the Cleveland Browns.

Still, after a 9–4 season in 2024, Sanders is optimistic.

“I’m so thankful to be back in Boulder, you have no idea,” he said. “But I never doubted, not for a second, that I wouldn’t be.”

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