Colorado coach Deion Sanders, speaking to reporters at Big 12 Media Day in Frisco, Texas, on Wednesday, declined to discuss details of an undisclosed medical condition that has limited his activity with the program.
“I’m not here to talk about my health, I’m here to talk about my team,” Sanders said when pressed by a reporter to address his recent health challenges. “I’m looking good. I’m living lovely. God has truly blessed me. Not a care in the world. Not a want or desire in the world. … I look good. I’m feeling good.”
Neither Sanders nor Colorado officials have given specifics about the nature of the health issue the coach is facing. He has been away from Boulder, Colo., missing annual youth camps he normally would have attended.
When repeatedly asked about his health, Sanders insisted he feels “good” and turned the focus to his team.
“I never waver. I never say why me, regardless of what’s ahead of me or what I see. … I’m truly thankful,” Sanders said of what motivates him. “Truly a go-getter. I want to win at all costs. I want to win the right way. I want to set the right standards. And I want to prepare these young men for life not just for football, I want them to be professional.”
Sanders also shared his love for his fellow Big 12 coaches who he said have been supportive.
“The coaches of the Big 12 are incredible. I love them. They’ve been calling, checking on me, making sure I’m straight,” Sanders said. “But you talk about knowing football, teaching football, communicating with their kids, none of this stupid animosity or jealousy. I love the coaches of the Big 12. I want to beat them all, but love them. I truly do.”
Recent social media posts showed visits to Sanders’ estate in Texas by former NFL cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones and the rapper Lil Wayne. Sanders was seen in an Instagram video walking, a bit gingerly, with the rapper. However, he appeared to be walking normally onstage at Wednesday’s press conference.
Sanders had previously addressed his health in a social media post on June 11.
“I can assure you all that everything is OK and will continue to be so,” he posted to X. “… I’m excited to get back to Colorado to be at home with my staff, team & all associated to our program. When we arrive back to Boulder you will be updated on everything.”
A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Sanders required multiple surgeries for persistent blood clots in recent years. He had two toes amputated in 2021 to address clotting issues, but it is unclear whether that is related to his current health status.
The Buffaloes open the season at home on Aug. 29 against Georgia Tech.
–Field Level Media
