Joey McGuire said what we were all thinking.
While some in the national media speculated about Deion Sanders’ future with Colorado during his battle with bladder cancer, the Texas Tech head coach wasn’t buying any of it.
“Somebody asked me, ‘You think he’s going to step away?’” McGuire told reporters this week. “I said, ‘I don’t see that dude stepping away.’ He loves the game, he’s too involved, he loves his players.”
And just like that, McGuire captured what makes Coach Prime... Prime.
This isn’t a guy who walks away when things get hard. If anything, Deion leans in.
Joey McGuire talked about his friend Deion Sanders and his announcement yesterday surrounding his health. pic.twitter.com/OsG1VDQgtu
— Nathan Giese (@NathanGiese) July 29, 2025
A Bond Built on Respect
Coach McGuire and Coach Prime aren’t just two guys who shook hands after a game. They’ve built a friendship behind the scenes, rooted in mutual respect for how they lead young men.
When Deion called McGuire to share what was going on with his health, it wasn’t for sympathy. It was brotherhood.
“He told me about the situation, and he felt really good about where it was headed,” McGuire said. “I told him I’d be praying for him because I think a lot of him.”
That’s real.
McGuire’s seen firsthand the fire Sanders coaches with. They went head-to-head in Lubbock last fall, and despite everything Prime was dealing with behind the scenes, he never flinched.
So when the rumors started flying about Deion possibly stepping away, McGuire didn’t even entertain it.
He knew better.
Football’s Bigger Than the Game
McGuire also reminded us that for coaches like Sanders, football is more than a job—it’s a calling.
“He loves his players,” McGuire said. “He’s too involved. I’m just glad he’s in a good spot and cancer-free.”
Those words carry weight, especially from someone who’s competed against Deion and knows the pressure of this business.
Prime is here because he cares. And even when his health was failing, he still made his presence felt.
His return to the facility was spiritual. Ask anyone in Boulder. The energy changed when he walked back in the room.
More Than Just A Rival Coach
McGuire could’ve kept it short and professional. He could’ve given the standard "We’re happy he’s healthy" line and moved on.
But he didn’t.
He opened up. He made it personal. And in doing so, he gave us fans a look at how respected Coach Prime is across college football.
That means something. Especially in a world that’s quick to doubt and to tear down, and slow to show love when someone’s battling behind the scenes.
So hearing McGuire—a coach who wants to beat Colorado—speak so highly of Sanders? That’s not something you hear every day.
Prime’s Not Going Anywhere
Coach Prime shut down all the rumors this week with a grin and a mic drop: “I’m back, baby.”
But truthfully, McGuire’s words may have been even louder.
Because when a competitor knows your heart—and still bets on your return—that says everything.
“I don’t see that dude stepping away.”
Neither do we, Coach.
Neither do we.
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