Colorado football head coach Deion Sanders revealed he is undergoing a procedure to treat recurring blood clot issues, describing his condition as “hurting like crazy” during a recent game. The 54-year-old coach shared updates during a news conference, stating, “I think I got more blood clots,” and emphasizing the hereditary nature of the problem.
Sanders, who led his team to a 35-21 loss at TCU last Saturday, was seen limping along the sideline with visible discomfort. He did not wear a shoe on his left foot during the second half and later confirmed he was “hurting like crazy.” Despite the pain, Sanders expressed confidence in his recovery, stating, “I’m gonna go in there, and I’m gonna get some of the best sleep in the world for I think, four hours the surgery’s gonna be.”
The procedure, a thrombectomy to remove clots from his left leg, comes after Sanders faced similar health challenges earlier in his career. In 2021, doctors at Jackson State amputated two toes from his left foot due to blood clot complications. He also skipped a media event in 2023 following surgeries to address clots and toe deformities.
Sanders’ mother disclosed that the condition runs in their family, citing an uncle who died from related complications and another who nearly did. Meanwhile, some social media users speculated the issues could be linked to experimental COVID-19 vaccines, though no official confirmation has been provided.
The coach is set to return for Saturday’s game against Iowa State, vowing not to miss practice despite his ongoing health struggles. “I don’t miss practice,” Sanders said. “I don’t plan on doing such.”