Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders underwent surgery Tuesday to address blood clots in his left leg, marking his 16th medical procedure in recent years.
The journey for the 58-year-old was documented in the latest Well Off Media video, showing Sanders going about his normal duties with the Buffaloes before heading to the hospital.
“Surgery No. 16,” Sanders said in the video. “That’s something. Sixteen. Good lord Jesus.”
Sanders was in good spirits with confidence and sense of humor as he was once again going under the knife. “I should know this by heart by now,” he added.
Colorado confirmed to USA TODAY Sports Sanders underwent an aspiration thrombectomy to remove blood clots from his left popliteal and tibial arteries. It’s the same leg that has caused recurring circulation problems, leading to the amputation of two toes and part of his calf. Sanders had his son, Deion Jr. and former NFL cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones by his side.
“There’s nothing that I could’ve done to stop what’s transpiring,” Sanders told reporters on Tuesday. “Nothing that I could’ve taken or something that I’m just not abiding by. It is what it is.”
Sanders’ health struggles can be traced back to 2021 during his time at Jackson State. He developed life-threatening circulation issues and suffered from compartment syndrome, spending weeks in the hospital and nearly losing his leg. He returned to coaching on the sideline with a motorized scooter.
Deion Sanders’ blood clot condition explained
Outside of the clots, Sanders revealed he was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Following surgery to remove his bladder and reroute his urinary function, he was deemed cancer-free.
“I’m going to be all right,” Sanders said Tuesday. “Prayerfully, I’ll be right back tomorrow because I don’t miss practice. I don’t plan on doing such.”
Sanders’ contract extension with Colorado includes a clause addressing potential health concerns. If he is deemed unable to perform his coaching duties, the agreement would automatically terminate. However, Sanders would not owe buyout damages if he chose to retire for health reasons.
For now, Coach Prime appears determined to stay on the field. The Buffaloes (2-4, 0-3 Big 12) host No. 22 Iowa State (5-1 Big 12) on Saturday at Folsom Field. Sanders said he doesn’t expect to miss practice or the game.
