Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, known affectionately as “Coach Prime,” has provided encouraging updates on his health as he steps away from Boulder to recover from a recent medical condition.

While details of the illness remain undisclosed, assurances from his son and close allies suggest his return to full strength may be imminent.

Deion Sanders Jr. mocks Travis Hunter for beating him multiple times in a sport

Sanders Jr. shared a glimpse of his father’s recovery in a video posted online, revealing that Coach Prime has been at their Texas estate, engaging in two of his favorite pastimes: fishing and driving a boat alongside former Colorado star Travis Hunter, now with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

“It’s a beautiful thing,” Sanders Jr. said of his father’s improved condition. “Coach Prime back active, moving around. God is great. Not back active moving around, but it’s progress.”

Balancing health and coaching responsibilities

Despite the progress, Sanders’ exact health issue continues to be a closely guarded secret. He addressed suspicions and speculations in a June 11 post on X, stating: “I can assure you all that everything is OKAY and will continue to be so.

“I’m excited to get back to Colorado to be at home with my staff, team & all associated to our program. When we arrive back to Boulder you will be updated on everything.”

Though he remains away from the Buffaloes’ summer camps in Boulder, the team is moving forward under support staff leadership. Sanders is set to attend a Big 12 preseason media event in Frisco, Texas, on July 9 – a sign of his intent to return.

NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin, a close friend of Sanders, recently visited him and urged fans for support. “Pray for my boy,” Irvin said emotionally, adding: “He’s physically strong, mentally strong, emotionally strong. He’s strong.”

Irvin described their visit as “fun,” emphasizing Sanders’ unbroken spirit despite a 14-pound weight loss. Sanders himself acknowledged the severity of his health issue in a recent podcast appearance: “What I’m dealing with right now is at a whole other level.”

While Coach Prime recovers at home, the Buffaloes have had to adapt. Strength coach Andreu Swasey has taken a more active role in directing summer workouts. With the team’s season opener against Georgia Tech looming on August 29, Colorado’s staff is determined to preserve momentum in the interim.

Sanders’ prior resilience and a vision to the future

Sanders isn’t new to overcoming adversity. In 2021, he underwent multiple surgeries to address blood clots, which led to the amputation of two toes – a life-threatening complication he described as one of the toughest moments of his life.

Yet even after enduring 23 days in the hospital and rehabilitation in a wheelchair, Sanders returned to coach Jackson State to a championship and later led Colorado to a 9-3 regular season record in 2024, earning a contract extension through 2030.

Now facing another health setback, Sanders remains driven. His son’s recent post-“Coach Prime back active” – and an impending media appearance fuel optimism that the charismatic leader will be back on campus sooner than later.

Whether he’s guiding from the sidelines or recovering in Texas, Deion Sanders continues to embody perseverance – an inspiration for both his players and the broader Colorado fan base. With the preseason approaching, the hope is that Coach Prime returns to Boulder healthy and ready to lead his team toward another breakthrough season.