Coach Prime's Health Journey: From Cancer to Complicated Vascular Issues
Coach Prime, Deion Sanders, has faced significant medical challenges since 2021, publicly sharing his health journey. In May 2025, he underwent a full bladder removal (radical cystectomy) after being diagnosed with aggressive bladder cancer. This procedure was one of several major surgeries following vascular problems in his legs and feet that led to multiple procedures and two toe amputations.
The 2025 Bladder Cancer Diagnosis and Surgery
A routine CT scan in early 2025 to monitor Sanders' vascular issues revealed a high-risk bladder cancer tumor. After consulting with doctors at UCHealth, Sanders opted for a radical cystectomy over chemotherapy, aiming for a more definitive treatment to allow him to fully focus on his team and family. The robot-assisted surgery involved removing the entire bladder and creating a neobladder from a section of his small intestine. Following recovery from intense pain, Sanders announced in July 2025 that he was cancer-free, although he experiences post-surgical incontinence. This experience has motivated him to advocate for regular health screenings.
The Series of Vascular and Foot Surgeries (2021-2023)
The health issues leading to his bladder cancer diagnosis began with severe vascular problems in his left leg and foot in 2021. After initial foot surgery, dangerous blood clots developed, leading to:
- Emergency Hospitalization: He was hospitalized for 23 days and underwent multiple procedures.
- Amputation: Poor circulation necessitated the amputation of his left big toe and the adjacent second toe.
- Compartment Syndrome: He also required treatment for compartment syndrome and removal of parts of his left calf.
Sanders' genetic predisposition to blood clotting compounded these issues. In 2023, while coaching at Colorado, he underwent another nine-hour surgery to address chronic vascular disease and aneurysms, aiming to improve blood flow to his foot. This surgery was successful in improving circulation, allowing him to return to the field despite lingering pain and mobility challenges.
A Comparative Look at Coach Prime's Recent Health Procedures
| Feature | 2025 Bladder Surgery | 2021-2023 Foot & Vascular Surgeries |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Cause | Aggressive, non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer | Blood clots, chronic vascular disease, and complications from initial foot surgery |
| Surgical Procedure | Radical cystectomy (full bladder removal) using a robotic-assisted approach, and neobladder construction | Multiple procedures, including toe amputations, compartment syndrome treatment, and vascular clot removal |
| Outcome | Declared cancer-free; now manages side effects like incontinence | Salvaged his leg and improved blood flow, but resulted in permanent toe amputation and altered mobility |
| Key Message | Early detection is critical, especially for men who may avoid regular checkups. | Awareness of vascular health risks, including genetic predispositions and diabetes-related issues. |
A Profile in Resilience
Coach Prime's openness about his health struggles, including his bladder cancer diagnosis and recovery, highlights his resilience and serves as an important message about men's health and early detection. Despite managing post-surgical challenges like incontinence, he has returned to coaching, inspiring others with his determination. His journey underscores the importance of proactive health management and facing medical challenges head-on. For a detailed account of how he beat bladder cancer, refer to the information from UCHealth.
Conclusion
Coach Prime's medical history includes both vascular surgeries that led to toe amputations and a recent, life-saving bladder removal due to aggressive cancer. His public sharing of these experiences emphasizes the critical importance of routine health checkups and early detection, serving as a powerful message beyond football.
