Deion Sanders reveals private cancer battle, says he is now cancer free

NFL Hall of Famer and college football coach Deion Sanders is opening up for the first time about his private battle with an aggressive form of bladder cancer

(NBC)- NFL Hall of Famer and college football coach Deion Sanders is opening up for the first time about his private battle with an aggressive form of bladder cancer—sharing his emotional journey and message of hope.

“You have no idea how good God is to me. For me to be here,” Sanders said.

Known to fans as “Coach Prime,” Sanders revealed that he was diagnosed earlier this year and has since undergone surgery to remove his bladder—part of a long series of medical procedures over the past four years. Doctors also reconstructed a portion of his intestine to serve as a new bladder.

Dr. Janet Kukreja, Sanders’ urologic oncologist, delivered uplifting news: “I’m pleased to report that the results from the surgery are that he is cured from the cancer.” She added that chemotherapy and radiation will likely not be needed.

Sanders, 57, remained positive throughout the treatments, despite losing around 25 pounds and facing the emotional difficulty of drafting his will. “Yesterday was tough,” he admitted.

The coach also credited his friend and fellow NFL Hall of Famer Randy Moss—himself a cancer survivor—with supporting him through the ordeal. “He called me every other day and told me what I needed to be doing,” Sanders said.  He stressed the importance of early detection, noting that his cancer was found during a routine CT scan prompted by his history of health complications.

Reflecting on his journey and future, Sanders said, “Too much life. I got too much life in me, and I got work to do.”