Colorado coach Deion Sanders now 'cancer free'

Field Level Media|published: Wed 10th June, 12:14 2026

Nov 1, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders before the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders announced he is "cancer free" heading into the 2026 season.

The Pro Football Hall of Famer talked about his battle with bladder cancer Tuesday on "Good Morning America."

"I've got my health back. I've got my swagger back," said Sanders, 58. "Last year at this time I was fighting cancer, didn't know which way it was going to go. ... I'm fully back now. Last year at this time, it wasn't a good look.

"We fought the battle and we won the battle fighting cancer. I'm cancer free. I'm good. Great doctors in Colorado that have brought me through. God has brought me through. I'm thankful I'm healthy."

Sanders said he underwent 14 surgeries, including the removal of his bladder.

Colorado struggled to a 3-9 finish last season following a 9-4 campaign in 2025.

"I'm ready to go coach my butt off this season," Sanders said. "I'm having a good time."

Sanders is 16-21 with one bowl appearance through his first three seasons in Boulder.

The Buffaloes open the season at Georgia Tech on Sept. 3.

A two-time Super Bowl champion and six-time All-Pro cornerback, Sanders played 14 NFL seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington and the Baltimore Ravens. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.

--Field Level Media