Colorado head coach Deion Sanders will not be present on Friday at Pac-12 media day.
The 55-year-old head coach will undergo surgery on Thursday to fix blood clot issues in his left leg and straighten the toes on his right foot.
The NFL Hall of Famer’s blood clot issues go back to his time with Jackson State and have followed him to his time in Boulder. Last month, he underwent a similar procedure on his left leg to fix a blood clot issue. He also previously had the big toe on his left foot amputated.
Sanders posted on Instagram on Wednesday that he expects to be ready for the Buffaloes fall camp that starts next month, stating, “Following my doctor’s recommendations and will be going in for another procedure. Unfortunately, this means I will not be in attendance on Pac-12 media day, BUT this will ensure I am back on my feet for the start of fall camp.”
Going in his place to Las Vegas for Friday will be defensive coordinator Charles Kelly. Quarterback Shadeur Sanders and defensive back / wide receiver Travis Hunter will also be attending Pac-12 media days for Colorado.
Sanders was hired in early December to lead Colorado after spending three seasons at Jackson State, where he led the Tigers to a 27-6 overall record. The Buffaloes are coming off a 1-11 season last fall under Karl Dorrell and Mike Sanford Jr.
The legendary cornerback known for his outspokenness and lavish lifestyle has been questioned by many this offseason for his program-building tactics at Colorado, which included pulling scholarships, “forcing” players into the transfer portal, and other actions that were deemed ‘questionable’ by those around the college football world.
Nevertheless, fans of the Buffaloes are excited as they prepare for the 2023 season. This spring, the program sold out its season ticket allotment for the first time in 27 years. The Buffs will begin their season on September 2 against the TCU Horned Frogs in Forth-Worth.