DEION SANDERS BATTLING ILLNESS: BUFFS ROLLING BUT CU MUST BE READY FOR ANYTHING

As Colorado pushes forward with summer football camps in Boulder, the absence of head coach Deion Sanders is no longer just a local storyline—it’s now caught the eyes of major national outlets like USA Today and ESPN. Deion Sanders, who’s been recovering at his “Country Prime” ranch in Canton, Texas, since shortly after CU’s April 27 Spring Game, is dealing with what he recently described as a health issue on a “whole other level.”

The gravity of the situation became more public after Sanders appeared on a May 30 podcast with two-time Super Bowl champion Asante Samuel, where he revealed that he’s lost 14 pounds and has been low on energy. “Honestly, I have done no media, I have done nothing for a minute,” Sanders said. “I’m coming back, but I needed this exchange because I haven’t had the energy.”

The silence was notable. And now, the scheduling changes are confirming that Prime is still in recovery mode. According to USA Today’s Brent Schrotenboer, Sanders canceled a high-profile appearance on Sunday for The Foundation for Sickle Cell Research—an event typically close to his heart. It’s clear that even now Sanders is not able to resume his normal activities.

Still, according to trusted Sanders confidant and Thee Pregame Show host Christopher Neely, there’s optimism. “He’s doing good, man,” Neely told DNVR last Friday. “This was the most energetic and enthusiastic Coach Prime I’ve seen going back to the COVID spring season. He had a little setback. But nothing that with rest, he can’t overcome.”

And while the Buffs are without their head coach physically, Neely was quick to emphasize that Sanders remains very much engaged behind the scenes: “He is still the head coach of this football program as he takes some time off.”

While fans have speculated that the root cause of this most recent health scare might be stress-related, we all wish Coach Sanders a speedy recovery.

Summer camp season in Boulder rolls on for high schoolers, post-grads, and youth players—all happening under the watchful eyes of Sanders’ staff.

Time for CU to Prepare for All Possibilities

While the tone from those closest to Sanders remains hopeful, it’s becoming clear that his health concerns aren’t going away. And that means Colorado athletic director Rick George must seriously consider every possibility regarding Sanders’ availability heading into the 2025 season.

No one is saying Sanders will miss additional time. In fact, if you know Deion Sanders, you know he’s built to battle through adversity. He’s faced down different health issus over the last few years and emerged seemingly stronger. But it’s also imperative that CU develops a contingency plan now—not later. That includes establishing a clear structure of delegated roles and responsibilities within the program should Deion Sanders be unavailable for any stretch during fall camp or the regular season.

CU football has momentum, expectations, and a national spotlight squarely on it. The standard can’t slip. If Deion Sanders needs more time to recover, the remaining football staff and administration must be ready to keep the operation steady—both on the field and with leadership in the locker room. We have our ideas on which staff members are best equipped to try to step into Deion Sanders’ leadership void if needed, but the more important thing to do is to make sure these contingency plans are in place on the off-chance he has to step away from the program during a busier part of the year.

Buff Nation is pulling for Deion Sanders. But leadership means planning for every outcome, however unlikely they may be. And the time to start is now.