Deion Sanders Cancels Speaking Engagement as Rumors Swirl
Deion Sanders was originally scheduled to be the keynote speaker for The Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research (FSCDR) in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. this weekend. However, he was replaced by NBA legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson.
Advertisement
"Due to an unavoidable last-minute scheduling change, our originally scheduled Foundation Keynote Speaker, Deion Sanders 'Coach Prime,' is unable to attend," the foundation's website read. "We are grateful for his support and look forward to future opportunities to welcome him."
The sudden drop out from the conference in his home state has many wondering if Sanders' current health issues might've played a factor. While nothing has been confirmed by Sanders or Colorado, rumors are swirling about his future. Ten days ago, the Colorado Buffaloes coach made his first public appearance in weeks on Asante Samuel's 'Say What Needs to Be Said' podcast and explained why he's been away.
"I've done no media. I've done nothing for a minute, Sanders said. "So coming on with you is something. I ain't been in front of nobody for a minute. I lost about 14 pounds. I'm coming back, but I needed this." When Samuel asked if fasting was involved, Sanders replied by saying it was more serious.
Related: Former Colorado Defensive Coordinator Reveals Travis Hunter's Ideal NFL Role
Sanders' health challenges have been widely reported over the past four years. He previously underwent multiple surgeries related to blood clots, resulting in the amputation of two toes on his left foot while at Jackson State. In late 2024, Sanders said doctors advised removing the remaining toes, which he declined.
Advertisement
Related: Where Shedeur Sanders Stands in Browns' QB Depth Chart Today
Sanders signed a five-year, $54 million extension with Colorado in March. He became the highest-paid coach in the Big 12 conference and currently ranks within the top ten nationally. The Buffaloes open the 2025 season against Georgia Tech on Friday, August 29 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN).
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Dan Orlosvky Pleads for Browns to Change Shedeur Sanders' Status
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The days and weeks leading to the Cleveland Browns' first preseason game, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders was at the bottom of the depth chart in terms of available passers. It was only until injuries to Kenny Pickett and rookie Dillon Gabriel that led to Sanders was pushed into the starting role for the team. More news: How Did Vikings JJ McCarthy do in Return From Season-Ending Injury? Sanders took full advantage of his starting time, pulling off some incredible tight-window throws for two touchdowns and picking up some good yardage on the ground. Despite a couple of mistakes, he shone in his pro debut. Sanders ended his first time starting in an NFL game with 14-for-23 passing attempts, 138 yards, two touchdowns, and four carries for 19 yards. CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 08: Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after a touchdown during the 1st half of an NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America... CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 08: Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after a touchdown during the 1st half of an NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on August 08, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. MoreMore news: Jaime Foxx Channels Beloved Willie Beamen Role to Slam Shedeur Sanders Haters The result of Sanders' performance has led many to question the Browns' approach to their quarterback room, including how it relates to the rookie. Former NFL quarterback and analyst Dan Orlovsky took to "First Take" to plead that the Browns give Sanders way more time with the first and second teams moving forward. "He proved to me that he's absolutely demanding of more reps with the second and first teams." —@danorlovsky7 on Shedeur Sanders — First Take (@FirstTake) August 11, 2025 "He proved to me that he is absolutely demanding of more reps with the second and first teams, against the second and first teams. I have been very adamant that Cleveland should start one of these rookies. I really believe that. And what we saw from Shedeur coming off the reports in the summer ... 'Shedeur had another good day' ... he looked like comfort, in total control, he played really fast, and didn't panic ... If I were the Browns, he would be getting reps with the starters this week..." Orlovsky is pointing to the fact that Sanders was not getting first-team or even second-team reps due to his being fourth on the depth chart. However, his performance highlights the idea that Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski should be moving him up the depth chart as soon as this week. Sanders is sure to get those opportunities this week, considering that both Pickett and Gabriel are dealing with hamstring injuries. It was reported that Gabriel returned to 11-on-11 team activities, but Pickett remains on 7-on-7, which means he is not as far along in recovery. With the second preseason game coming this weekend, the Browns will take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday, Aug. 16. Should Sanders get more first-team reps and be the starter again, he could make another statement regarding his professional capabilities. Sanders was also humble following the game, apologizing to his father, Deion Sanders, about not playing well enough. Shedeur may feel that way, but anyone watching the game would likely disagree. For now, the world will wait to see what Stefanski does in regards to Sanders, but he should at least be moving up the depth chart in a big way should he have another good game in preseason Week 2. For more on the Browns and NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
USA Today
2 hours ago
- USA Today
Mic'd-up Shedeur Sanders' wholesome chat with Myles Garrett quickly turned serious
Shedeur: "I ain't going to lie. I want to feel one of your swipes... I want to see if I can get out of it."Myles: "You're a good kid. I don't want to have to hurt you." For his first (unofficial) NFL action last Friday, Shedeur Sanders enjoyed a stellar preseason debut. The rookie Cleveland Browns quarterback went 14-of-23 and tossed two touchdowns, positioning himself as one of the clear early bright spots for the Browns during the preseason. But this was just a start. To Sanders' credit, he understands there's still a lot of work to do. He knows he has a lot more to learn from people who have a lot to teach him. One of those people is perennial All-Pro and Defensive Player of the Year candidate Myles Garrett. If anyone knows what it takes to be a good NFL quarterback in Cleveland, it's the guy who enjoys hunting them on the field with sheer ruthlessness, power, and speed. A mic'd-up Sanders riffed with Garrett about what he's trying to accomplish when chasing an opposing quarterback down. After Garrett gave Sanders a quick lowdown with a beaming smile on his face, Sanders then suggested that he'd like to feel the all-worldly pass-rusher bearing down on him one day. This is when Garrett lost his smile, essentially patting Sanders on the head while telling him he doesn't want to hurt him because he has good potential. That sounds like classic Garrett to me: Let this be a lesson to all you signal-callers with superstar pass-rushers on your team. They take their jobs very seriously. They are your friends ... to a point. Don't go out there suggesting you could ever escape their wrath, even in jest. To them, that's probably crossing a line.
USA Today
4 hours ago
- USA Today
Deion Sanders praises Byron Leftwich: ‘He's unbelievable'
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders had high praise for one of his newest staff members, former NFL offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich. Although Leftwich hasn't coached since 2022, Sanders is already seeing the immediate impact he's making in Boulder. "He's phenomenal," Sanders said. "I'm not even equipped with the words to describe what he's brought to the table. His experience, his knowledge, his day-to-day presence, and especially his communication with the quarterbacks have been superb." Sanders continued, emphasizing just how valuable Leftwich has already become. 'He's much more than expected. Much greater than we ever thought he would be. He's unbelievable. I can see why the Buccaneers won the championship when he was there." Although Leftwich's specific role on the Colorado staff has not been officially defined, it's clear Sanders sees him as a major asset. His creative football mind and leadership qualities are already resonating throughout the program. Leftwich began his coaching career in 2016 with the Arizona Cardinals as an intern. He was promoted to quarterbacks coach in 2017 and later served as the team's interim offensive coordinator in 2018. From 2019 to 2022, he held the offensive coordinator role with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers under head coach Bruce Arians. In 2020, he helped guide Tom Brady and the Bucs to the Super Bowl LV title. Now, Leftwich is looking to make a splash at the college level. With a fresh opportunity in Colorado and the full support of Deion Sanders, he has a promising path to reestablish himself in the coaching world. Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.
