Matt Johnson
Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders could require a procedure to have his left foot amputated after prolonged issues with blood flow in the area.
Sanders, who turns 56 in August, had his big toe and second toe amputated in 2021 after clots blocked blood flow in his left foot. Serving as Jackson State’s head coach at the time, Sanders was hospitalized for 23 days and missed three games during the season.
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Now, as Sanders settles in as the Buffaloes’ coach with summer practices right around the corner, the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection could now be facing amputation of his left foot.
- Deion Sanders coaching record: 27-6
On Thee Pregame Show, which is documenting Sanders’ time in Colorado, doctors informed him that he only has 66 percent circulation of blood pressure in his foot compared to normal.
Sanders discussed the matter on camera with vascular surgeons Max Wohlauer and Donald Jacobs, Colorado athletic trainer Lauren Askevold and foot orthopedics specialist Dr. Ken Hunt. The two-time Super Bowl champion also shared that he no longer has feeling in the bottom of his left foot.
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Jacobs explained that things can “cascade” quickly and there are significant risks if the medical issues persist. Sanders was also informed that the blood pressure in his lower leg is now only two-thirds of what it used to be. Jacobs later told Sanders he could lose his foot.
While a final decision on the specific procedure hasn’t been made, Sanders made it clear that he wants to deal with it as soon as possible in order to avoid missing a portion of the upcoming season.
“I want to do it this summer, because when we get rolling, I’m not going to have time to do it. This is the best down time I have.”
Deion Sanders on his looming operation on his left foot
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Sanders originally underwent the surgery in 2021 after Askvold, then a trainer at Jackson State saw two of his toes were jet-black when applying bandages to them. Doctors later diagnosed him with three femoral arterial blood clots. Two years after undergoing the surgery, the issue has gotten worse.
The Buffaloes begin their season on Sep. 2 at TCU with their home opener at Folsom Field on Sep. 9 against Nebraska.
