Deion Sanders reveals he made will in May, fearing outcome of health issues

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders will discuss his health at his press conference today, per Pro Football Talk. Sanders’ health issues were reportedly so severe that he wrote his will in May, unsure how much longer he would live.

“Mentally, emotionally, last night was tough, yesterday was tough, because I had to make a will. That’s not easy at all, to think that you may not be here,” Sanders said in a video released late on Sunday by his son, Deion Sanders Jr.

Deion Sanders attended Big 12 Media Days earlier this month. While he stated he was OK, he didn’t provide further details on his health.

“I’m already back,” Sanders told ESPN’s Pete Thamel. “I’m here today. I’m handling my responsibilities. So I look forward to it. I can’t wait. You’ve got to understand, some of the young men I haven’t even met yet.”

Sanders missed several pre-planned events and camps in Boulder earlier this year due to the undisclosed health issue. Sanders’ press conference will take place at 1 p.m. ET. Colorado stated that representatives from CU Anschutz | UCHealth will also be available.

Deion Sanders is entering his third season at the helm of Colorado football. After posting a 4-8 record in his debut campaign at Colorado, Sanders led the Buffaloes to an outstanding 9-4 season in 2024.

Colorado posted a 7-2 record in its first season against Big 12 competition and nearly reached the conference championship game. Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter was phenomenal under Sanders’ supervision, ultimately winning the Heisman Trophy.

Hunter was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Sanders’ son, Shedeur, was the team’s quarterback and also had a fantastic season.

Shedeur Sanders completed 74.0% of his pass attempts for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns while only throwing 10 interceptions. Although he suffered a slide to the fifth round in the NFL Draft, he still secured a spot at the next level with the Cleveland Browns.

With both of his star players gone, Deion Sanders will have to find new ways to succeed this fall. Colorado brought in Liberty transfer quarterback Kaidon Salter this offseason, while adding highly-touted freshman QB Julian Lewis. Sanders is excited for the next chapter of Colorado football.

“They were great players. We have a better team,” Sanders said at Big 12 Media Days. “There’s a difference between great players and a great team. We have a better team, but we can never replace those type of players.”

On3’s Nick Schultz also contributed to this report.