Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Deion Sanders Rejects $5 Million Request from Son After Unfortunate Setback

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton | Last updated Oct 8, 2025 12:39 PM ET

Colorado Buffaloes coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders underwent an aspiration thrombectomy on Tuesday to remove blood clots from the left popliteal and tibial arteries and restore circulation in his left leg.

Sanders reportedly experienced visible pain and limited mobility during Colorado's 35-21 loss to the TCU Horned Frogs on Oct. 4, prompting immediate testing.

Sanders had already experienced previous clot-related surgeries, including having two toes amputated in 2021 and additional procedures in 2023, plus a bladder cancer surgery and reconstruction earlier this year.

On Wednesday, a clip circulated on social media showing a candid exchange between Deion Sanders and his son, Shilo Sanders, shortly after the latest surgical episode.

In the clip, Shilo Sanders joked that his dad should give him $5 million so that he can "make sure you don't have to get surgery anymore," an offer Deion Sanders declined.

"I'll make sure you have the best care," Shilo Sanders said. "I might keep about $2 million, but if you give me five, I'll make sure you're alive."

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Shilo Sanders.Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Shilo Sanders went undrafted in April's NFL draft, signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a rookie free agent, participated in training camp and preseason, but was cut before final rosters.

He remains a free agent who has worked out for teams and has considered pursuing media and entertainment opportunities outside of football.

Shilo Sanders' brief NFL tenure included a preseason ejection for throwing a punch, which likely factored into the Bucs' decision to cut him, and subsequent workouts, including interest from the San Francisco 49ers, leaving the door open for a potential return to the league.

Deion Sanders, meanwhile, remains optimistic about returning to practice and the sideline in Boulder soon, where the 2-4 Buffaloes will look to get back on track on Saturday against the No. 22 Iowa State Cyclones.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: