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'The Louie luggage is gone': Deion Sanders Takes Shot by Reporter at Big 12 Media Day

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeff Hauser | Last updated Jul 8, 2025 5:19 PM ET

Deion Sanders is expected to return to the spotlight and rejoin five of his Colorado players for Big 12 Media Days at The Star in Frisco, Texas on Wednesday. But not everyone believes the 2025 season will be another mark of progress in Boulder.

The On3 duo of Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman aren't buying the 'Prime Effect' and see a tough road ahead for the Buffaloes. They commented on Colorado's upcoming season while in Frisco on Tuesday and the general consensus was to be prepared for either a sink or swim scenario.

“I think Colorado has lost all of its hype," Staples said. "I wonder if Deion can work magic in a way where they're out of the spotlight a bit and surprise everyone by coming back in."

Staples' comments were followed up by Wasserman's own critique of the program. This is the first time Sanders will be without his sons, Shilo and Shedeur, along with Heisman winner Travis Hunter. The trio was a core part of Coach Prime's initial transfer portal wave to join him at Colorado and have since moved on to the NFL.

“This is the real job now," Wasserman said about Sanders' future at CU. "The Louie luggage is gone”

Andy: “I think Colorado has lost all of its hype…”

Ari: “This is the real job now, the Louie luggage is gone…”

Ok Cool pic.twitter.com/jq2p7xEeYc
— Tkdeezly (@tkdeezly) July 8, 2025

On top of the turnover and having to rebuild another roster, Sanders is dealing with an unknown health issue that has kept him at his estate in Texas over the past two months. When he addresses the media on Wednesday, it will be his first public appearance since a press conference after CU's Spring Game in April.

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. It's unclear if the latest bout is related to his previous issues.

Despite the setback, Sanders signed a five-year, $54 million extension with Colorado in March. He became the highest-paid coach in the Big 12 conference.

Colorado opens the 2025 football 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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