Deion Sanders kept his cancer battle quiet - Brett Favre calls him a true fighter after finding out: "He's a grinder"
In a year that has tested the resolve of legendary
NFL
figure Deion Sanders, the Hall of Famer has emerged victorious in a deeply personal battle. Known as 'Coach Prime,' Sanders recently underwent surgery to remove his bladder after being diagnosed with cancer.
While the news stunned fans and peers alike, it was Brett Favre's heartfelt response that highlighted just how much Sanders' journey has resonated within the NFL community.
Brett Favre was 'caught off guard' but never doubted Deion Sanders' willpower
When TMZ Sports reached out to NFL icon Brett Favre, the former quarterback didn't hold back his emotions. 'Thank God they found it, and it was a successful surgery. But I was completely caught off guard with the news, but I'm thankful that the prognosis looks good,' Favre said.
Despite his surprise, he wasn't at all shocked by Sanders' unyielding spirit in facing adversity. 'He played every play in practice as if it were the Super Bowl-winning play,' he recalled.
The two shared a locker room briefly with the Atlanta Falcons back in 1991, yet their bond clearly transcended time. "I'm not surprised [he isn't taking time off]. He's a grinder. When I was with Atlanta my first year, Deion had already solidified his place in NFL lore already.
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But one thing about Deion, he was never a tackler, and he would admit that. But he worked his butt off… He played every play in practice as if it were the Super Bowl-winning play.
So I'm not surprised he's digging his heels in and is going to keep coaching," Favre said..
He even offered heartfelt encouragement, saying, '"Not that he needs my advice, but just keep doing what you're doing. And as long as you enjoy it, whatever that may be, in his case it's coaching… keep doing it," Favre said.
"You're impacting so many people and so many people are pulling for you, just keep it rolling."
Favre, who is battling Parkinson's himself, understands the emotional weight of health struggles. His admiration for Sanders was evident, not only as a former teammate but as someone who sees Sanders as a resilient symbol of inspiration.
Coach Prime remains undeterred and focused on the 2025 season
Following his successful surgery, Sanders made it clear he has no plans to step away from the sidelines.
Currently leading the Colorado Buffaloes, the 2024 season marked a turning point as the team went 9-4 and landed an Alamo Bowl appearance. With sights now set on the 2025 opener against Georgia Tech on August 29, Coach Prime affirmed his commitment: 'I was always going to coach. It was never in my spirit, in my heart, that God wouldn't allow me to coach again.
'
He also addressed the speculation about his retirement with a touch of humor and confidence: 'I know you're probably thinking something's going to happen today that ain't gonna happen… I don't know where you get the news from.'
Sanders also used his public platform to urge others, especially men, to prioritize their health. 'Men, everybody, get checked out… please get yourself checked,' he said. His cancer was only discovered during unrelated testing, reinforcing the need for routine care and early detection.
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