University of Colorado football coach Deion Sanders announced Monday that he underwent surgery to remove his bladder after doctors discovered a tumor there. Since the surgery, there have been no traces of cancer. Despite having undergone a radical change in lifestyle following the surgery, Sanders will continue to coach this season.
At a packed Touchdown Club at the Dal Ward Athletic Center, Sanders was joined by Dr. Janet Kukreja, director of urological oncology at University of Colorado Cancer Center. Kukreja declared Sanders “cured of cancer,” adding that she doesn’t use the term lightly. Sanders described his experience as a tough and dynamic journey, losing around 25 pounds in the process.
Sanders’ recovery was supported by his team trainer Lauren Askevold, who said the bladder tumor was discovered during one of the regular routine vascular exams due to Sanders’ history of blood clots in his legs. The family kept Sanders’ illness relatively private, with only a few close friends and family members aware of its extent.
In recent months, Sanders has largely been out of the public eye, except for an appearance at Big 12 media days earlier this month when he praised conference commissioner Brett Yormark and athletic director Rick George. On Monday, Sanders opened up about his faith, recovery, and desire to continue coaching while sharing humorous anecdotes about adjusting to life without a bladder.
Sanders hopes that his public disclosure will encourage others to get examined for cancer and use humor to help those going through the same surgery avoid embarrassment. Dr. Kukreja said that Sanders is medically ready to coach and should continue being active in his recovery, although it will be a learning curve.
The Buffaloes are set to begin their third season with Sanders at the helm, featuring quarterback Shedeur and two-way player Travis Hunter. This season will mark the first time Sanders won’t coach a high school or college team with Shedeur at quarterback.
Source: https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/45843439/colorado-coach-deion-sanders-said-battled-bladder-cancer