Deion Sanders Shines at Big 12 Media Days After Health Challenge

Deion Sanders Returns to the Spotlight After Health Hiatus

FRISCO, Texas – Colorado football coach Deion Sanders made a triumphant return to the public eye, looking sharp in a gray suit and exuding his signature flamboyance. He appeared at the annual Big 12 Conference preseason media days event at The Star north of Dallas on Wednesday, July 9, marking his first major appearance since April. However, he chose not to disclose the health issue that kept him away from the spotlight for several months.

“I’m not here to talk about my health,” Sanders emphasized during his appearance. “I’m here to talk about my team.” His presence was accompanied by longtime friend Michael Irvin, a former Dallas Cowboys receiver, who added to the energy of the event.

A Focus on the Team and Future Goals

Sanders highlighted his commitment to the Colorado Buffaloes, expressing gratitude for the support from fellow Big 12 coaches. He praised them but also made it clear that his goal is to outperform them all. In a surprising move, he mentioned his desire to add two prominent figures to his coaching staff: former NFL quarterback Byron Leftwich and former NFL head coach Mike Zimmer. While he has been praying for their inclusion, it remains uncertain whether they will be hired.

Sanders also shared his deep faith, stating, “First of all, I trust God with all my mind, all my soul, and with everything I have. I never waver. I never say, ‘Why me?’ regardless of what’s ahead of me or what I see. Like Lord, just use me. If you could use anything, you could use me.”

Health Concerns and Personal Life

Sanders, 57, has been away from the public eye since April, focusing on recovery at his estate in Canton, Texas. While he missed several key events, including CU’s youth and high school football camps in June, he remained active on social media, though he never revealed the specifics of his health condition. He did, however, express that he is doing well and plans to provide an update later.

When asked about his daily routine on his ranch, Sanders said, “Average day, I'm looking good. I'm living lovely. God has truly blessed me. Not a care in the world, not a want or desire in the world.”

He has a history of blood clots in his legs, which previously led to the amputation of two of his toes. In 2023, he canceled his appearance at a Pac-12 Conference preseason media event due to another blood-clot surgery. However, it is unclear if this is related to his recent health situation.

New Challenges and Team Dynamics

This year presents new challenges for Sanders, as he is coaching without his two youngest sons, quarterback Shedeur and safety Shilo. His eldest son, Deion Jr., stayed with him, while the other two are pursuing NFL careers in Cleveland and Tampa after playing for him the previous two seasons at Colorado.

The absence of these players and Travis Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner from last year, raises questions about how the team will perform in Year 3 under Sanders’ leadership.

“We want to win,” Sanders said. “We want to win at all costs.”

Team Roster and Key Players

Two quarterbacks, freshman Julian Lewis and Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter, are poised to replace Shedeur Sanders at quarterback. Both joined Sanders at the Big 12 event along with offensive lineman Jordan Seaton, defensive back DJ McKinney, and kicker Alejandro Mata.

Sanders shared a lighthearted story about Seaton calling him to ask where to get his hair braided in the Dallas area. “The moral of the story is I'm happy that my players can call me about getting their hair braided,” he said.

Looking Ahead

Colorado opens the season at home against Georgia Tech on August 29. The Buffaloes finished 9-4 last year after posting a 4-8 record in Sanders' first season in Boulder in 2023. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the new roster will perform under Sanders’ leadership.