Paul Finebaum reacts to Deion Sanders cancer announcement, reflects on 'gobsmacking moment'

On Monday, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders held a press conference and revealed that he had undergone surgery to have a cancerous tumor in his bladder removed earlier this year. During an appearance on First Take on Tuesday, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum raved about how Sanders handled the situation.

“Every time you think we have seen something extraordinary from Deion Sanders, he manages to take it up another level,” Finebaum said. “I sat here a year ago, and I’m quite frankly embarrassed to admit this, but I’m going to because Stephen A. corrected me and led me down the right road. I talked about Deion, about the star, but I wondered about the relevancy in college football.

“But yesterday, I mean, I nearly just fell over when I heard this news because it is incredibly serious. And it’s one thing to beat that cancer. It’s another thing to have to deal with the struggle that he has ahead… You think about mortality, but when you hear what he said yesterday, the richness of it, the spirituality of it — I mean, it was truly a gobsmacking moment to think about what he has been through.”

Sanders’ cancer was only his latest health scare. In 2021, Sanders underwent several foot surgeries and had two toes on his left foot amputated as a result of blood clots. In total, Sanders has had 14 surgeries since 2021.

Now, Sanders has another challenge ahead of him. While the cancer is gone, Sanders will still face residual effects from the disease. Most notably, Sanders admitted yesterday that he struggles to control his bladder and has to go to the bathroom much more often than before.

Sander had to use a catheter following the procedure and said he would fill up two urinary bags per night. The 57-year-old head coach also said he will have a portable toilet on the sidelines during Colorado’s practices and games this year.

Despite the obstacles ahead, Sanders emphasized that he is committed to the Buffaloes’ 2025 campaign and excited to get to work. Finebaum believes Sanders’ press conference on Monday will be looked back on as a shining moment in the football legend’s career.

“He is an iconic figure,” Finebaum said. “While Bill Belichick has won six Super Bowls and has been a part of eight, he still doesn’t bring to the college game what Prime has. And I think yesterday, really in many, many ways, in spite of what he’s done with his son and Travis Hunter, was his absolute finest moment.”