2 days ago
Deion Sanders Cancels Speaking Engagement as Rumors Swirl
Deion Sanders Cancels Speaking Engagement as Rumors Swirl originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
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.
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"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.
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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.
