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Sean Payton shares heartwarming reaction to Deion Sanders: 'Football is better with him'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeff Hauser | Last updated Jul 30, 2025 1:08 AM ET

Deion Sanders revealed to the world he was cured of cancer after he underwent surgery to remove his bladder on Monday. This news came following the discovery of a tumor, which needed immediate action.

Coach Prime was joined by Dr. Janet Kukreja and Colorado team trainer Lauren Askevold and spoke in detail about the journey over the past four months. Sanders has been out of the public eye, which forced many to speculate what might be going on with his health. He said he lost 25 pounds before gaining back about half of what was lost.

On Tuesday, one of Sanders' coaching peers and a longtime friend took the time to share his thoughts on the situation.

"Football is better with him. Colorado is better with him."

Wishing you the best, @DeionSanders! pic.twitter.com/LoZ5F8C2js
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) July 29, 2025

"I texted him," Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton said about Sanders. "I'm proud of him. Excited for him. Happy for him. I consider him a close friend all the way back to when I first entered this league."

Sanders described the early stages of his illness, including walking with two bags filled with blood and urine, often unable to get out of bed for days. He praised Askevold for her support and for staying by his side in Texas through the most difficult days. “You have no idea how good God has been,” Sanders said.

Payton is excited to have Sanders back to full strength and ready to see his journey continue in Boulder.

"Our thoughts are with him because football is better with him," Payton added. "Colorado's better with him. And it's impressive to watch him coach and teach... It was great news to hear yesterday and I know we're excited for him."

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

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