Deion Sanders Undergoes 16th Surgery in Recent Years, Reflects on Journey in New Video

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders underwent surgery Tuesday to address blood clotting, which was his 16th different medical procedure in recent years.

Deion Sanders Jr. documented the saga for his Well Off Media channel. The video includes Sanders going through his usual duties with the Buffaloes before heading to the hospital.

"Surgery No. 16," Sanders says at the 13:50 mark. "That's something. Sixteen. Good lord Jesus."

The Hall of Fame cornerback quipped that "I should know this by heart by now" and said he's "always confident" leading up to a surgery.

Sanders added he has used the same room in the hospital, No. 21, which was his jersey number in the pros. He recounted one painful experience dealing with the effects of his treatment for bladder cancer.

The 58-year-old announced in July he had been diagnosed with cancer after a tumor was discovered in his bladder. After subsequent treatments, including the removal of his bladder, he was deemed to be cancer-free.

Sanders' clotting problems go back to at least 2021, when he coached at Jackson State, and he has said it's hereditary. Two toes from his left foot have been amputated because of bad blood circulation.

After Colorado's 35-21 loss to TCU, Sanders told reporters he thought the clotting had returned after the pain in his left foot was so bad he removed his shoe on the sideline during the game.

The coach was optimistic his most recent surgery wouldn't force him miss much if any time.

"I'm going to be all right," he said Tuesday. "Prayerfully, I'll be right back tomorrow because I don't miss practice. I don't plan on doing such."

Colorado hosts No. 22 Iowa State on Saturday before getting a week off.