Revisiting Deion Sanders' Cancer Battle: Why NFL Legend Randy Moss Took it Personally

Deion Sanders has always been that ray of light that brightens the dimmest lit room.

The NFL Hall of Famer has endured a number of surgeries since leaving his 14-year professional career on the field. Coach Prime was a premier athlete from the late early 90s until he retired in 2005. It’s hard to pinpoint how many games Sanders sat out during his playing days.

Now, the Colorado Buffaloes head coach is nearly two years cancer free. His latest health setback wasn’t something he expected. After going to see doctors for a routine checkup, Sanders discovered he was living with a tumor on his bladder. He needed to have his bladder removed immediately.

Coach Prime's fans saw short clips of him spending time with his grandson, Snow, along with his eldest daughter Deiondra Sanders. Deion Sanders Jr. was there with him every day, making sure they had receipts of what took place. Coach Prime had a special lady by his side, Karrueche Tran, who at the time was linked to the famous head coach. She remained with him through it all and continues to be there for him.

At the time, Coach Prime stated during a press conference that he didn’t want to see anyone because he wasn’t his normal self. Sanders' jubilant nature has become so infectious since he first stepped on the football field. From being a threat to teams returning kicks and punts during his days at Florida State to NFL playing days. When Sanders was down, he received calls from former NFL players and other well-known figures who wanted to make sure he was in positive spirits.

There was one former NFL legend who went through his own health tribulations, but took the time to reach out to Coach Prime to provide him with positive feedback. Randy Moss gave him insight on what he needs to do to make sure he doesn’t see his health get worse.

Moss battled a rare stage 2 bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) that required major surgery (the Whipple procedure), chemotherapy, and radiation. He called Sanders every other day, along with providing him with the necessary information. Moss understood what the beloved coach would need to make it through this difficult time and stressed the importance of taking care of himself.

Now both NFL legends are on the other side of their respective cancer battles. Sanders is in the midst of his fourth season at Colorado, while Moss returned to work as an NFL analyst. Both are still here to share their stories and didn't become another statistic.