The mystery surrounding Deion Sanders’ health was finally put to rest at Monday’s presser. After weeks of staying out of the spotlight, the Colorado Buffaloes head coach has broken his silence—and the truth is more serious than many expected. On July 28, Sanders revealed what he’s been going through for the last couple of months. Thankfully, after undergoing treatment, Coach Prime is now considered cured. In response to the emotional revelation, an NBA legend—who once nearly lost his own son—shared a powerful two-word message for Sanders, showing just how far his story has reached beyond football.
The mystery cracked open on July 28, when Deion Sanders stepped up to the mic in Boulder. “We’re going to beat it, ain’t we?” he asked Dr. Janet Kukreja, his oncologist, at a packed press conference. “It’s beaten,” she fired back, confirming Sanders is cancer-free after a battle with aggressive bladder cancer. Diagnosed in April 2025, he had his bladder removed in May, with surgeons crafting a neobladder from his intestine. The 57-year-old NFL Hall of Famer called it a tough fight, dropping 25 pounds and joking, “I can’t pee like I used to pee.”
Sanders’ health saga’s no stranger to drama. Back in 2021 at Jackson State, he lost two toes to blood clots, with doctors warning he could lose his foot. He’s had 14 surgeries since, including emergency fixes for clots in 2023. This time, a routine CT scan for his circulation issues spotted a malignant tumor. “When we see that ‘C’ word, there’s usually a life sentence attached,” Sanders said, pausing to choke back tears. “Not this time, because God got me.” His faith and grit pulled him through.
The news hit social media like a fast break. Bleacher Report and BR_CFB posted on Instagram, hyping Sanders’ recovery, and fans flooded the comments. One stood out: “ god good,” from Gilbert Arenas, the former NBA star who nearly lost his son Alijah in a fiery car crash in April 2025. Alijah, 18, was trapped in a burning Tesla Cybertruck after it hit a tree and fire hydrant. Rescued and placed in a coma for smoke inhalation, he miraculously woke up in 24 hours, walking and talking.
Arenas’ two-word message carried weight. His son, a top USC basketball recruit, dodged death, but a torn meniscus surgery in July 2025 sidelined him for six to eight months. Sanders kept his own diagnosis from sons Shedeur and Shilo so they can focus on their dreams. Like Arenas, he shielded his kids to keep their focus on their dreams—Shedeur and Shilo chasing NFL stardom, just as Alijah aims for the NBA.
Sanders’ journey wasn’t just physical. He holed up at his Texas ranch, wrestling with fear and even writing a will. “I thought I might not be here,” he admitted. But he never considered quitting coaching. Dr. Kukreja praised the early catch, noting the cancer’s 50% spread rate and 10% five-year survival if it metastasizes. “I always knew I was going to coach again,” Sanders said, shutting down retirement rumors. His return for Colorado’s August 29 opener against Georgia Tech is locked in.
While Sanders leaned on faith and family, another ally stepped up big-time. Who was the surprise MVP keeping Coach Prime strong during his recovery?
Deion Sanders opens up about surprising ally who had his back during health battles
Sanders chose solitude at his Canton, Texas ranch to recover, but he wasn’t flying solo. His extended family rallied, and a surprise guest brought some serious flavor to his healing. Celebrity chef Eric Smoot took over Sanders’ kitchen, whipping up meals to fuel his comeback. Smoot posted a photo with a slimmer Sanders on social media, writing, “An absolute honor to cook for the legendary @deionsanders over the past few weeks. Grateful for the chance to serve excellence.” Sanders fired back, “You blessed the home, my brother. Your spirit, your meals, your preparation & your tidiness was !”
Smoot’s role wasn’t just about fancy plates. His nutrition game was on point, helping Sanders regain strength after losing 25 pounds post-surgery. With a neo-bladder changing how his body works, Sanders needed meals that supported recovery without stressing his system. Smoot’s work was a game-changer, giving Sanders the energy to get back to Boulder. It’s not every day a chef becomes a recovery MVP, but Smoot’s care was like a perfect assist in crunch time.
Sanders also got love from big names like Randy Moss, who’s fighting bile duct cancer, and former NFL stars Michael Irvin and Nate Newton. “You have no idea what that did for me,” Sanders said of their visits. Moss called every other day, lifting Sanders when he was down and frail. But Smoot’s daily grind in the kitchen was the unsung hero, keeping Sanders’ body and spirit strong. It’s like having a sixth man who never misses a shot.
Now, Sanders is back, ready to lead Colorado into 2025. With Smoot’s meals in his rearview and a clean bill of health, he’s got his eyes on the prize. The Buffs face a tough Big 12 slate, but Sanders’ resilience—and unexpected allies—prove he’s built for the fight. Arenas’ “god good” comment sums it up: faith, grit, and a little help from friends can turn even the scariest battles into a win.
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