Coach Prime’s message about his cancer fight to his son, Shedeur Sanders, in the NFL

Deon Sanders Reveals Battle with Bladder Cancer

Deon Sanders, head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, opened up about his recent struggle with bladder cancer, sharing that he underwent surgery this spring to have his bladder removed.

During this challenging time, his son, Shedale Sanders, was gearing up for his rookie season in the NFL as he joined the Cleveland Browns as their fifth overall pick. In a recent interview, Shedale reflected on his father’s message during this difficult period for their family.

Shedale noted how his father advised him to focus on what he could control. He emphasized, “Dad, he’s one person—he treats him. We deal with what we have to do. It was like, ‘Y’all had to focus on what you can focus on.’ After all, you can see and understand everything on and off the field I experience.”

Deon Sanders, along with the medical team, confirmed the seriousness of his diagnosis, which many had speculated about for months. According to his oncologist, Deon had “very high-risk, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer,” but he is now cancer-free.

Dr. Janet Kukreja, the director of Urological Oncology at CU Anschutz, reported that the tumor was high-grade and had penetrated the bladder wall. Thankfully, he has been cured following the surgery.

Dr. Kukreja also mentioned the gravity of the situation, noting that if the cancer spreads to muscles, survival rates drop significantly. Shedale, who has left his father’s program for the NFL, described his journey as a roller coaster, navigating the highs and lows of being drafted. Initially viewed as a first-round talent, he was chosen by the Browns in the fifth round.

Despite the challenges, Shedale remains optimistic about his opportunity in Cleveland. Currently, he is listed fourth on the Browns’ depth chart, which isn’t a definitive ranking but gives some insight into the coaching staff’s outlook. Joe Flacco, the former playoff leader for the Browns, returns as the presumed starter, while Shedale has faced some setbacks with arm pain and hasn’t taken snaps with the first team yet.

He expressed a desire for his father to avoid watching him in practice, wanting to manage expectations about his performance. “I don’t want him to come and see me get a few reps and cheer for me like a good father,” Shedale said. “I know there’s a lot to do to get there.”