Colorado head coach Deion Sanders has faced multiple health challenges since arriving in Boulder in 2023, and he’s hoping his latest issue won’t sideline him.
Sanders, who battled bladder cancer in the offseason, said after the Buffaloes’ loss to TCU on Saturday that he was experiencing significant pain.
"It don't make sense. I'm hurting like crazy," Sanders told reporters. "I'm not getting blood to my leg. That's why my leg is throbbing." He was seen sitting at times during the game, which dropped Colorado to 2-4 on the season.
On Tuesday, Sanders offered an update on his health and how long he expects to need for recovery. Here’s what he had to say.
MORE: Deion Sanders health issues timeline
Deion Sanders health update
Sanders revealed Tuesday that he is undergoing a minor procedure to address blood clots and hopes to return to practice as soon as Wednesday.
"It is what it is. Found what we found. I have a wonderful team of doctors at UC Health and a team of wonderful trainers here," Sanders said. "It has nothing to do with me working at the level and competing … it is hereditary. It is what it is. I trust God with all my heart."
Sanders has dealt with blood-clotting issues in the past, including during his time at Jackson State. A routine exam this past offseason gave him a clean bill of health regarding blood clots but revealed abnormalities that ultimately led to his bladder cancer diagnosis.
After Saturday’s loss, Sanders said he suspected he was dealing with blood clots again.
"Cat's out of the bag, all right. I think I've got more blood clots," Sanders said, revealing he was scheduled to see a doctor on Monday.
Deion Sanders was seen wearing one shoe during their game against TCU
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 5, 2025
He opened up after saying he's dealing with more blood clots and that's why his leg is throbbing
(via @DNVR_Buffs) pic.twitter.com/dYu4w3HrbD
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Why does Deion Sanders have blood clots?
Sanders has said in the past that his blood-clotting issues are hereditary, and he reiterated it after revealing the news on Tuesday.
"It has nothing to do with me working in the level that I'm trying to compete at," Sanders said. "It's hereditary. It is what it is."
Sanders has said his mother and two of his uncles all dealt with blood clots as well, so he has a confirmed family history of the issue.
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Does Deion Sanders have diabetes?
Sanders does not have diabetes, as his blood-clotting condition is hereditary. While diabetes can lead to poor circulation and threaten amputation of limbs, which Sanders said he nearly faced in 2023 due to blood clots, the Hall of Famer has never given any indication he has diabetes.
Deion Sanders health history
Sanders has been open about numerous health challenges since beginning his coaching career at Jackson State in 2021.
That year, he had two toes amputated due to blood-clotting and circulation issues. He nearly lost his leg after developing compartment syndrome, but doctors were able to drain fluid and limit the damage to just two toes.
In 2023, Sanders faced serious blood-clotting problems again. He underwent surgery to remove clots near his groin that were affecting circulation in his feet and making it difficult to walk and perform daily tasks. Once again, he avoided the worst-case scenario and preserved his foot.
During the 2025 offseason, Sanders stepped away from Colorado for an unspecified health issue, later revealing it was bladder cancer. Considered cancer-free after surgery to remove and reconstruct his bladder, the 58-year-old now faces a new reality he will manage throughout the 2025 season.
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Is Deion Sanders coaching this weekend?
Sanders said he plans to return to practice as early as Wednesday, which would put him on track to coach on Saturday barring any unexpected complications.
Colorado will look to snap its first losing streak of the season at home against Iowa State, which saw its undefeated start come to an end against Cincinnati in Week 6.
Sanders said his blood-clotting issues aren't the result of overworking his body, but he will have some time to rest up when the Buffaloes hit their first of two bye weeks after their matchup with the Cyclones.