Colorado head football coach Deion Sanders has re-emerged online after a period of near-total public absence, sparking both curiosity and cautious optimism.
In a new video posted to his son Deion Sanders Jr.’s YouTube channel, the 57-year-old coach engages in light physical activity, from soaking in an ice bath to shooting hoops and visiting the Coliseum. Yet, despite the upbeat visuals, Coach Prime made it clear: He’s still working through a serious, unspecified health issue.
What Does Deion Sanders’ Return Video Really Show About His Health?
The vlog opens with Sanders, often known for his boundless energy and charisma, lowering himself into a cold plunge. “You know, I’m still going through something,” he told his daughter and son.
“I ain’t all the way recovered,” Sanders said. This quiet admission stands in contrast to the vibrant lifestyle he’s portrayed throughout his career, especially since becoming the face of Colorado football.
While the video captures moments of play such as tennis sessions, basketball shots, and a 1.3-mile run-walk with his daughter Shelomi, they serve more as milestones in his recovery than displays of full health.
“I’m proud,” Sanders told Shelomi. “We’re getting better, though, right?” The question felt as much like a reassurance to himself as it was a check-in with family.
Why Has Deion Sanders Been Missing From Public Life?
Coach Prime has not made many public appearances since the 2025 NFL Draft, where his son, Shedeur Sanders, unexpectedly slid to the fifth round.
In the months following, Sanders missed several events, including a keynote speech at the Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research’s annual meeting. The organization cited an “unavoidable last-minute scheduling change,” a phrase that echoed across multiple absences.
During a May appearance on the “Say What Needs to be Said” podcast with Asante Samuel, Sanders addressed the mounting concern. “I’ve done no media,” Sanders said. “I’ve done nothing for a minute… I lost about 14 pounds. I’m coming back, but I needed this.” His tone was unusually subdued, reinforcing the severity of his condition.
In June 2025, PFSN’s Abhinand Variar reported that Sanders had stepped away from the Colorado program entirely, missing summer workouts and recuperating at his estate in Texas.
His son, Deion Jr., confirmed the situation in a livestream: “He’ll tell y’all soon enough what he’s going through, what he went through… Until then, I’m gonna sit here with him.”
The coach’s struggles are not unfamiliar territory. In 2022, he had two toes amputated due to blood clots, and in 2023, he underwent emergency surgery for similar complications. His recurring circulatory issues have repeatedly interrupted his ability to lead from the front.
Still, Sanders struck a hopeful note at Big 12 Media Days. “I’m already back,” he said. “I’m here today. I’m handling my responsibilities. I can’t wait. You’ve got to understand, some of the young [players] I haven’t even met yet.”
With Colorado’s season opener against Georgia Tech looming on August 29, the uncertainty surrounding Sanders’ full-time return remains. But the latest vlog suggests a man still determined to fight his way back, one ice bath and basketball shot at a time.