Deion Sanders' Return to Colorado Boosts Team Spirit After Bladder Cancer Fight

BOULDER, Colorado – For University of Colorado safety Carter Stoutmire, Deion Sanders is far more than simply a coach. He's akin to an uncle who has been part of his life almost from the moment he was born.

Listening to his coach's loud voice during meetings and watching his coach's confident demeanor at training camp really boosted his morale. It wasn’t only beneficial for him, but also for the whole team after Sanders revealed he was dealing with a personal struggle against bladder cancer.

Regardless of the challenges and difficulties he faces, he consistently gets through them," Stoutmire remarked following practice. "Having him back is like a refreshing breeze for the entire team.

Several months have passed since they last saw their coach following Sanders' departure to address his health issues. He disclosed that surgeons removed his bladder to combat a severe type of cancer. A portion of his intestines was rerouted to serve as a replacement for the bladder.

Honestly, just having Coach Prime back here is a great experience," said safety DJ McKinney, whose team starts the season on August 29 against Georgia Tech at Folsom Field. "I think everyone feels motivated.

In other words, to put forth their maximum effort for him.

I mean, it meant something special to me, simply because that's like family," Stoutmire said. "It felt truly sincere.

Omar, Stoutmire's father, was teammates with Sanders on the Dallas Cowboys during the 1990s. His father and Sanders have remained close friends over the years, which is why he regards Sanders as an uncle.

The first time I saw him? I can't recall— he was present during my birth," said Carter Stoutmire about Sanders. "We have an extensive past, making it difficult for me to pinpoint the exact moment we truly met.

He has also made a significant difference. In fact, Carter Stoutmire was included in Sanders' first high school recruitment class at Colorado.

When asked if his coach's confidence had returned during practice, Stoutmire just said, "Oh yes. There's no doubt about it."

After coming back to campus, Sanders attempted to resume exactly where he had stopped. Defensive coordinator Robert Livingston mentioned that he spoke with Sanders, and the first question Sanders asked was about Livingston's family. He was interested in learning about his son, Luke, who plays baseball.

Sanders, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame who also competed in Major League Baseball, was eager to learn more about it.

Prime is discussing his position and various matters, and he's asking how that's proceeding," Livingston said. "His leadership is unparalleled. He's the Pied Piper— the world will follow him if people simply pay attention.

What was Livingston's initial response to the announcement?

Terrified, just like everyone else," he remarked. "We're dealing with a person's life here. All this football business ultimately isn't that important in the grand scheme.

He was out of town, and we were busy with work, but we knew that once he returned, he'd jump right into things. The initial team meeting unfolded as expected—'Hey, we're going to accomplish this. We're going to handle that.'

Sanders skipped several camps in Boulder this summer because of his medical condition. His experienced team, consisting of Pat Shurmur, Warren Sapp, and Marshall Faulk, managed everything effectively.

The discussion was never held, like 'if, then,'" Livingston stated. "We were aware he would be here from the start.

The Buffaloes finished last season with a record of 9-4 and participated in the Alamo Bowl. They face significant challenges as quarterback Shedeur Sanders has joined the Cleveland Browns and Heisman Trophy recipient Travis Hunter is now with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

When you're an exceptional leader like Coach Prime is, you create a culture, a setting where individuals simply come to work," Livingston stated. "That's exactly how it was. It was delightful to witness.

Sanders advised consulting a medical professional during his press briefing, which proved beneficial for him. His cancer was detected when he underwent a routine CT scan as a preventive measure due to his past issues with blood clots.

It was a statement that struck a chord with Livingston.

More frequently in this field, we focus more on events within these walls than on our roles as husbands, fathers, and personal well-being," Livingston stated. "That's definitely enlightening.