Colorado football coach Deion Sanders addressed his health situation Wednesday on social media, saying that “everything is OKAY” and that he would provide a full update upon his return to campus in Boulder.
Sanders, 57, has been at his estate in Texas for weeks while dealing with an unspecified health issue. Last week, CU’s annual slate of summer football camps got underway without him even though operating the camps is listed as an official duty in his employment contract with CU.
USA TODAY Sports reported Monday that the timing of his return to campus was unclear, based on what his son Deion Jr. said on a YouTube livestream on Sunday.
Deion Sr. thanked his supporters Wednesday on social media site X.
“Wow, I am truly blessed for the abundance of well wishes, for all the thoughts and all of the prayers,” Sanders Sr. wrote. “THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I can assure you all that everything is OKAY and will continue to be so. God got me like no other. I have so much more work to do to Glorify God so please believe God got me!”
He didn’t give a date for his return.
“I’m excited to get back to Colorado to be at home with my staff, team & all associated to our program,” Sanders wrote. “When we arrive back to Boulder you will be updated on everything. . Until then, I’M COMING BABY, #CoachPrime.”
Sanders Sr. mentioned the issue on a podcast with former NFL cornerback Asante Samuel in late May.
“I hope you’re feeling better,” Samuel said to Sanders. Samuel then asked him if he ever tried fasting.
Sanders responded by saying “what I’m dealing with right now is at whole nother level” but said he’s coming back after losing about 14 pounds.
Last week, CU hosted separate camps for high school football players and eligible high school graduates. CU also started a youth football camp this week, which Sanders has attended in previous years at CU.
This year the camps have gone on without him and have been run by staff.
Though he hasn’t said what the issue is exactly, he has battled issues with blood clots in his legs for years and had to miss a Pac-12 Conference media event in Las Vegas because of it two years ago. Deion Jr.’s YouTube channel has showed that CU athletic trainer Lauren Askevold has been at his estate in Texas in recent weeks. She has helped him with his legs since the issue got serious in 2021, including the amputation of two of his toes and the removal of the sides of his left calf.
Sanders also canceled a scheduled speaking engagement scheduled for June 8 in Florida. He canceled because of an ‘unavoidable last-minute scheduling change,’ according to The Foundation for Sickle Cell Research. The foundation replaced him with basketball legend Magic Johnson.
Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com
