After a quiet summer marked by health concerns and minimal public appearances, Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders returned to the spotlight Wednesday at Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas.
Though he declined to share specific details about his recent health issues, Sanders appeared in good spirits and made it clear he plans to be back with the team soon.
“I’m doing wonderful,” Sanders told reporters. “Don’t I look good? I’m not here to talk about my health. I’m here to talk about my team.”
Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders takes the stage at Big 12 media days #cubuffs pic.twitter.com/SxwVZGLzhO
— Brian Howell (@BrianHowell33) July 9, 2025
It was coach’s first major public appearance since early spring. In late May, he revealed on former NFL cornerback Asante Samuel’s podcast that he had lost 14 pounds and had stepped away from media and outside engagements to focus on recovery.
Though he didn’t disclose the nature of the health issue, the revelation raised concerns heading into Colorado’s second season under his leadership.
“I’ve done no media, I’ve done nothing now... for a minute,” Sanders said on the podcast. “I’ve lost about 14 pounds, I’m coming back, but I needed this.”
Over the summer, Sanders remained at his home in Texas, reportedly visited by close friends including Michael Irvin, Adam “Pacman” Jones, and rapper Lil Wayne.
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie and Heisman winner Travis Hunter also spent time with him during the offseason, fishing and relaxing away from the spotlight.
“Deion’s doing good,” Jones told BetOnline. “I think he’s got another week at home before they get started. He’ll be there. He’ll be ready to go.”
That timeline lines up with what we now know. Colorado’s fall camp is expected to begin later this month, and Sanders’ comments in Frisco suggest he’ll be back in Boulder to lead the Buffs into their Aug. 29 season opener against Georgia Tech at Folsom Field.
Sanders was sharp, upbeat, and focused during his time on the media stage, shifting attention back to the program itself.
As Colorado enters its second season in the Big 12, with significant momentum but also a host of questions. The obvious one being a starting quarterback competition between Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter and five-star freshman Julian “JuJu” Lewis.
It’s no secret that Sanders is the face of the program—and arguably the most recognizable figures in all of college football. The atmosphere at Big 12 Media Days looked to have intense anticipation for Coach to get on the podium.
While Coach Prime didn’t provide a formal update or medical clarity, his tone was confident. When asked directly about how he was feeling, he simply smiled.
“I’m living good,” he said. “I’m living lovely. Not a care in the world.”
In many ways, that answer is vintage Deion. He’s long been known for controlling his own narrative—on his own terms.
And with the start of fall camp looming, it’s clear he wants the conversation to pivot away from his personal health and back to Colorado Buffs football.
Still, the moment served as reassurance. While the details may remain private, Coach Prime looked and sounded like a coach ready to return.
And for us, that’s the most important update of all.
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