Pro Football Hall of Famers Deion Sanders and Randy Moss, two of the most accomplished athletes of their generation, now share more than accolades and professional milestones. Both are now cancer survivors.
Sanders, 57, publicly disclosed on Monday that he had been diagnosed with bladder cancer, an illness he has since overcome following surgery and a period of recovery. The announcement came during a press conference in Boulder, Colorado, where Sanders appeared alongside members of his medical team.
It was the first time the University of Colorado head football coach shared details of his health battle after months of speculation stemming from missed public appearances and coaching responsibilities.
During his remarks, Sanders acknowledged the critical support he received throughout his illness, singling out Randy Moss for his consistent encouragement.
“Randy Moss called me every other day to make sure I was straight,” Sanders explained.
“He and his wife told me what I needed to be doing. He’s gone through some things very similar.”
Both men have their own health battles
Sanders’ comments referenced Moss’s own experience with cancer. In December 2024, Moss announced that he had been diagnosed with bile duct cancer and would be taking a leave of absence from ESPN’s NFL coverage.
Later that month, Moss confirmed he had successfully undergone treatment and had returned to full health. He rejoined ESPN for Super Bowl 59 coverage in February 2025, and, according to The Athletic, is expected to return to “Sunday Night Countdown” full-time for the 2025 NFL season.
Sanders credited Moss for providing strength and emotional guidance during a period of uncertainty.
“He gave me so much strength and so much guidance. And so much love and respect and appreciation,” Sanders continued, adding that his former NFL peer played a key role in helping him navigate the mental and emotional aspects of cancer treatment.
Sanders’ health issues had kept him away from several key events, including a major recruiting function and the wedding of former Colorado standout Travis Hunter. His return to Boulder late last week preceded the announcement of his diagnosis and treatment.
Sanders’ medical team detailed the severity of his condition and the surgical steps taken to address it. Bladder cancer required a comprehensive medical approach, including the removal of the bladder and the use of intestinal tissue to reconstruct the urinary system. The procedure was successful, and Sanders is now considered cancer-free.
Despite the physical toll, Sanders remained focused on recovery and returning to his role with the Buffaloes. The press conference also served to confirm his medical clearance to resume full coaching duties for the 2025 season.
Sanders enters his third season as head coach at Colorado, following a tenure marked by high visibility and significant attention to the program. His recent health battle adds a new dimension to his leadership, demonstrating resilience and the importance of support networks.
Sanders and Moss, two former NFL stars with parallel legacies, now share an even deeper bond-survivors of serious illness and advocates for perseverance in the face of life-threatening challenges.
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