FRISCO, Texas — In a recent update, Colorado's athletic director, Rick George, shared with The Athletic that he anticipates head coach Deion Sanders will return to the Boulder campus in “a week or two” following a health issue that has kept him away for several months. George mentioned that he and Sanders have maintained constant communication since Sanders left Colorado to focus on his health and recuperate at his ranch in Canton, Texas, in late April.
George made these remarks shortly after Sanders made his first public appearance since April at the Big 12 Media Days. When asked about his health, Sanders opted not to elaborate, stating, “I’m not here to talk about my health. I’m here to talk about my team.” This remark underscores Sanders' commitment to his team as he prepares for the upcoming season.
In April, Sanders hosted an NFL Draft party at his home in honor of his son, Shedeur, but has not participated in any public events since the Buffaloes' spring game on April 19. Shedeur was projected to be a top pick in the draft but ultimately was selected in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns.
When discussing Sanders' departure from Colorado, George stated there was no specific plan in place. “I don’t think we were ever worried about a plan. He knows what he wants to do, and I know what I want to do, and we share those thoughts,” George explained. This alignment reflects a strong support system within the Colorado athletic department, aimed at ensuring Sanders' successful return.
Accompanying Sanders at the Big 12 Media Days was his former Dallas Cowboys teammate, Michael Irvin. Sanders arrived in style, sporting a gray suit, a Colorado ballcap, and sunglasses. He captivated the audience with his signature showmanship during his nearly 20-minute address. Following his speech, Sanders participated in a coaches roundtable and conducted two on-air interviews with ESPN.
Earlier in the week, a spokesperson for Colorado had expressed uncertainty regarding Sanders' attendance at the event. Sanders, however, remained upbeat about his well-being during his time away from campus, stating, “Average day? I’m looking good. I’m living lovely. God has truly blessed me. Not a care in the world. Not a want or desire in the world.”
A source familiar with the situation informed The Athletic that Sanders was in daily contact with his coaching staff, although he did not attend Colorado’s youth camps or participate in a critical five-week recruiting contact period during the summer. He mentioned that fellow coaches and Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark reached out regularly to check on his health.
Recently, former Colorado player Travis Hunter visited Sanders, and the two enjoyed a fishing trip on Sanders’ property. It's worth noting that Sanders has a history of blood clot issues. In 2021, he underwent surgery that resulted in the amputation of two toes. This past year, he had a procedure to alleviate clots that prevented him from attending the Pac-12 media days and caused him considerable pain during the offseason. Nevertheless, he has expressed a strong desire to run onto the field with his team at the start of the season.
While the exact nature of the health issue that sidelined him remains undisclosed, Sanders did convey through a post on X last month that he plans to provide updates upon his return to Boulder, expressing excitement about being back on campus soon.
As he prepares for his third season, Sanders has set clear expectations for the Buffaloes: he is determined to compete for a Big 12 title. “We want to win,” he emphasized. “We want to win at all costs and be in that championship.” This level of ambition reflects Sanders' unwavering commitment to elevating the Colorado football program.
