• Deion Sanders, University of Colorado football coach and former FSU All-American, recently underwent surgery for bladder cancer.
• Sanders’ former FSU teammates and coaches, including Mickey Andrews and Brad Johnson, praised his strength and resilience.
• Sanders is expected to continue coaching this season despite his health challenges.
• A documentary about Sanders’ life and career is set to be released in 2026.

Mickey Andrews offered Deion Sanders heartfelt advice when the pair recently talked on the telephone.

“You keep fighting like you know how to fight, but be smart about it,” the legendary Florida State football defensive coordinator said, adding, “There isn’t anything about Deion that’s not exceptional.”

Sanders — the Colorado football coach and former Florida State All-American — announced July 28 he was diagnosed with bladder cancer and had surgery to remove his bladder.

Sanders, 57, said there are no traces of cancer following surgery, and he intends to coach this season.

Sanders’ former FSU teammates praised the Hall of Famer for his strength, vulnerability and continued desire to impact others.

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“Deion always encourages others in difficult times, and that’s a trait we all aspire to have,” former FSU and NFL running back Sammie Smith said. “Even when in a vulnerable position, he’s willing to share his journey.

“I have the utmost respect for him.”

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Former FSU great Deion Sanders recovering from bladder cancer

Sanders has largely been out of the public eye in recent months. He appeared at Big 12 media days earlier this month but deflected any questions about his health.

Sanders also had previous bouts with blood clots in his legs, had two toes amputated in 2022 and emergency surgery in June 2023 to treat the persistent clots.

He’s entering his third season at Colorado, where he must replace his son Sheduer, at quarterback and two-way All-American Travis Hunter.

When Andrews talked with Sanders on the telephone, he encouraged his former player “to take care of himself.” He also praised Sanders for wanting to remain on the sidelines, pointing to his strong mindset and determination.

“It’s going to be hard on him …. but he has that never-give-up attitude,” Andrews said.

Former FSU and NFL quarterback Brad Johnson, who won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Bucs, also isn’t surprised by Sanders’ tenacity.

Johnson believes Sanders’ “greatness is to give back to others. He has done it over his entire career.”

Former Seminole Deion Sanders considered all-time great athlete

Johnson has also marveled at Sanders’ athletic abilities, dating back to Sanders’ career at FSU (1985-88).

Sanders was a two-time All-American in football at defensive back, played center field for the baseball Seminoles and was on FSU’s record-setting FSU’s 400-meter relay team with Smith, Dexter Carter and Arthur Blake.

Sanders was also an NFL and MLB athlete and is a Pro Football Hall of Famer.

“Deion’s was the best athlete I have eve been associated with,” said Johnson, who played 17 years in the NFL.

“He was great in everything. Friday nights in (FSU’s Burt Reynolds Hall), he would be playing checkers, they would be racing in the parking lot to see who is the fastest. … he really worked so hard at his craft and everything he did.”

Johnson also chuckled when he reminisced about seeing Sanders in the FSU track locker room prior to the 400 relay race.

“He was in a robe and flip-flops and I asked if he needed to go out (to track) to get ready,” Johnson said and laughed. “Deion said, ‘You ever see a cheetah stretch before a run?’ Of course, Deion went out there and they won.”

Smith, Andrews and others are also expected to make on-camera interview appearances on a documentary about Sanders.

The three-part series, produced by SMAC Entertainment, Skydance Sports, and NFL Films, is set to be released in 2026 and will delve into various aspects of Sanders’ life, including his athletic career, coaching journey, and personal experiences.

“Being in the position Deion’s and and being able to share his journey, it’s a blessing and that’s what I applaud him for,” Smith said.