Deion Sanders healthy, ready for Colorado 2026 season

University of Colorado head football coach Deion Sanders declared himself fully healthy and energized for the upcoming season on Tuesday, marking a triumphant personal turnaround from a serious battle with bladder cancer that shadowed his team's difficult 2025 campaign. Speaking at Big 12 media days in Frisco, Texas, Sanders said he is now cancer-free, has regained his strength and weight, and is ready to lead a Buffaloes program seeking to rebound from a 3-9 record.

Sanders revealed that a routine medical checkup last spring led to the discovery of a malignant bladder tumor. He underwent significant treatment, including surgery, and managed his recovery while remaining involved with the team throughout last season. At times, he coached while dealing with painful complications, including blood clots, and carried medical bags. The illness forced him to miss offseason activities and lose a considerable amount of weight, which he tried to conceal. "I wasn't me," Sanders said, reflecting on that period. "I'm thankful this year that I'm me. I'm all me now."

His health struggles coincided with a challenging year on the field. The Buffaloes lost seven of their final eight games,...