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Deion Sanders Reveals He's Been Battling Health Issues During Offseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emanuel Walker II | Last updated May 31, 2025 3:12 PM ET

Former NFL All-Pro cornerback Asante Samuel recently sparked debate after declaring on social media that he belongs in the same all-time tier as Hall-of-Famer Deion Sanders.

The online back-and-forth led to Sanders joining Samuel on the 'Say What Needs to Be Said' podcast on Friday night. The two former stars tackled rumors of a rift and shared insights on cornerback play in today's game.

However, the tone of the hour-long episode shifted at the end when Sanders opened up about ongoing health concerns. He revealed unexpected weight loss and hinted at a health issue, calling it “on another level.” Cue to the 1:00:13 mark.

When Samuel asked if fasting was involved, Sanders replied by saying it more serious. He noted this was his first public appearance since a press conference on April 22, adding that he needed to go on the podcast for a boost.

"I've done no media. I've done nothing for a minute, Sanders admitted. "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."

Sanders’ health challenges have been widely reported. 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.

Despite the concerns, Sanders recently signed a five-year, $54 million extension with Colorado. He became the highest-paid coach in the Big 12 conference. The Buffaloes open the 2025 season against Georgia Tech on Friday, August 29 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN).

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

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