Earlier in the year, when tested for a routine medical examination, doctors found a tumor. The news was withheld until now, although Sanders had alluded to a significant problem during a spring podcast appearance with former NFL star Asante Samuel. "What I'm going through right now is at a whole other level," he added at the time.
The good news? Dr. Kukreja has said the cancerous tumor has been removed, and the surgery was successful. "The good news out of this is that Tom's chances of a full recovery are very good," she said, prompting a sigh of relief from fans and followers everywhere.
Deion Sanders (Coach Prime) also spoke about the effect this fight has had on his body. He has lost 25 pounds and still has lingering urinary problems. In his signature candid manner, he joked, "I can't pee the way I used to pee," prompting laughter and sympathy from the people in the room.
Despite the physical health challenges, Sanders remains undaunted. His message for men everywhere was direct and consequential: "Get checked." The Hall of Fame legend didn't miss an opportunity to use a personal rivalry as a teaching moment. As ever, Coach Prime is leading off the field with the same brash self-assurance that made him a household name in sports.
Askevold, who has helped care for Sanders, stressed that the tumor was detected because of routine screenings, another reminder of the value of early detection. Sanders already had missed a few football camps in June while receiving treatment, but he returned to public view and told fans at Big 12 Media Day earlier this month that "everything was OK."
It was not that long ago that Sanders was recovering from another bout of health setbacks, including surgeries on his left leg and foot that resulted in the amputation of two toes. But characteristically, he has again responded with humor, humility, and heart, just as he did after his former boss, President Obama, nudged him toward gay marriage advocacy before the 2012 election.
From NFL legend to multi-sport star to charismatic college football coach, Deion Sanders' road has never been the norm. And now, with this new chapter, he has entered "cancer survivor" into a long list of battles fought and won.
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