Concern grows for Deion Sanders as health issue sidelines him from Colorado football

Entering his third season as Colorado’s head coach, Deion Sanders is expected to propel the Buffaloes once again into the spotlight. But as the program begins to adjust on the field, Sanders himself remains away from it, recovering from an unspecified health issue that has temporarily taken him out of action.

According to Brent Schrotenboer of USA Today, Sanders has not returned to campus for Colorado’s slate of summer football camps and is currently recovering at his estate in Canyon, Texas. While the university has used Sanders’ image to promote the camps, it’s unclear when he’ll be healthy enough to resume his duties — a growing concern as the Buffs prepare for a pivotal season ahead.

Sanders’ eldest son, Deion Jr., addressed his father’s condition during a June 8 livestream, stating that the 57-year-old coach was “feeling well” but still resting.

“He’ll tell y’all soon enough what he going through, what he went through,” Deion Jr. said. “When we get back in Boulder, I don’t know. I’m waiting until my dad leaves. When he leaves, then I’ll go. Until then, I’m gonna sit here with him.”

Adding to the uncertainty was Sanders' decision to cancel a scheduled speaking engagement in Florida that same weekend. While the official reason cited was an “unavoidable last-minute scheduling change,” the timing has fueled further speculation. Sanders has been largely out of the public eye since the NFL Draft in April, and his ongoing absence only deepens concerns about the seriousness of his condition.

In 2021, Sanders underwent multiple procedures to address circulation issues in his legs, ultimately leading to the amputation of two toes. In a podcast appearance with former NFL cornerback Asante Samuel in late May, he hinted at a fresh round of health challenges, calling it “a whole nother level” and revealing he had lost 14 pounds.

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While the specifics remain unknown, Sanders' health looms large as Colorado braces for a season of transition. For the first time since Sanders arrived in Boulder, the Buffaloes will be without Shedeur and Shilo Sanders, as well as Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter — the three players most synonymous with the program's identity during his tenure.

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His return timeline is uncertain, but one thing is clear: as summer unfolds in Boulder, the Buffaloes are preparing without the man who brought them back into the national conversation.