Deion Sanders coaches through pain, but doesn’t miss a step

Colorado’s 35–21 defeat to TCU left more than just a bad score. Deion Sanders, head coach of the Buffaloes, triggered fresh alarms—not because of his team’s performance, but because of his physical condition. He spent most of the game seated and wore only one shoe on the sideline. The former NFL star admitted he’s likely facing circulation issues in his legs again. “I think I’ve got more clots. It hurts like never before,” Sanders said after the game, as reported by Marca.

The image of Deion Sanders in Fort Worth was that of a leader who, despite physical pain, refuses to step away. He has a medical appointment scheduled for Monday that could confirm the presence of new blood clots—a condition that has haunted him since 2021, when he was coaching at Jackson State. Back then, Sanders spent 23 days in the hospital, lost two toes, and underwent multiple surgeries to improve circulation in his legs. His medical history also includes a bladder removal surgery in May of this year following a cancer diagnosis.

Limited presence, active impact

Despite everything, Deion Sanders hasn’t stopped coaching. His presence on the sideline, even if restricted, remains a symbol of resilience. Pain hasn’t pushed him out of the game. His leadership continues to be the emotional engine of Colorado. The team, still trying to find its footing in the NCAA, looks to its coach not just for results, but for lessons on how to compete—even when the opponent is your own body.

Deion Sanders mentioned that he fears he could have more blood clots after Colorado’s loss to TCU. Here’s him sitting on the sideline and limping around, without one shoe on, in the fourth quarter #CUBuffs pic.twitter.com/GhMEDCjQJ2

— Trent Finnegan (@trent_finnegan2) October 5, 2025

The loss to TCU exposed flaws in the Buffaloes’ defensive scheme, but it also showed that Deion Sanders is still the gravitational center of the program. His way of facing adversity—without drama, without hiding—reinforces his narrative as one of the most complex and respected figures in college football today.

Beyond the scoreboard, what’s truly at stake is the health of a man who’s turned every diagnosis into a new battleground. And even if pain forces him to sit, Deion Sanders remains standing where it matters most. It’s about commitment—to his team, to his journey, and to a style of leadership that isn’t learned from books, but carved out through life itself.