Coach Prime’s Return Lifts Colorado Football Amid Health Battle

Players find renewed spirit as Deion Sanders re-engages post-cancer surgery.

The formidable presence of Deion Sanders, known affectionately as “Coach Prime,” has returned to the Colorado football sidelines, injecting a palpable sense of optimism and renewed determination into the team. Following his public announcement regarding a private battle with bladder cancer, his players report a significant boost in morale.

A Family Bond Fuels Team Spirit

For defensive back Carter Stoutmire, Sanders is more than a coach; he’s a lifelong family friend. Having known Sanders since his birth, Stoutmire described the coach’s booming voice and characteristic swagger back at camp as a “breath of fresh air” for the entire squad.

“Whatever hardship trials he goes through, he always makes it through. Seeing him back, just a breath of fresh air for the whole team.”

—Carter Stoutmire, Colorado Defensive Back

Safety DJ McKinney echoed this sentiment, stating that Coach Prime’s presence alone provides an “amazing feeling.” He added, “I feel like everybody just has a chip on their shoulder,” implying a collective drive to work harder in his honor.

The personal connection runs deep for Stoutmire, whose father, Omar Stoutmire, played alongside Sanders for the Dallas Cowboys in the 1990s. This familial link meant Sanders was present at Carter Stoutmire‘s birth, highlighting a bond that predates his coaching tenure.

Leadership Echoes Through the Ranks

Defensive coordinator Robert Livingston shared his initial reaction to the news of Sanders’ health: “Scared, just like everybody. We’re talking about a life here. This football stuff, that doesn’t really matter at the end of the day.” However, he quickly noted Sanders’ immediate return to form, focusing on team matters and even inquiring about his family upon his return.

Livingston lauded Sanders’ unique leadership style, calling him the “Pied Piper — the world will follow him if they just listen to him.” This leadership established a culture where the team remained focused even during his absence, with the veteran staff maintaining operations.

Coach Prime Sanders revealed he had his bladder removed due to cancer. He had a section of his intestine reconstructed to function as a bladder.

— ESPN (@espn) December 27, 2023

Sanders’ health journey began with an annual CT scan, prompted by a history of blood clots, leading to the discovery of aggressive cancer. His advocacy for regular health check-ups resonated with his staff.

In college football, team retention is crucial. For the 2023 season, Colorado saw key departures, including quarterback Shedeur Sanders (now with the Cleveland Browns) and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter (joining the Jacksonville Jaguars). Despite these significant changes, the team’s preparedness is often attributed to the resilient culture instilled by Sanders.

Sanders’ own experience underscores the importance of personal well-being within the demanding profession of sports. As Livingston noted, “Too often in this profession, we worry about what happens inside these walls more than we worry about what happens outside in being a husband and being a father and taking care of yourself. It’s eye-opening for sure.”