"He sounded absolutely fine" - Stephen A. Smith reveals conversation with Deion Sanders amid Colorado HC's battle with "unspecified" health issue

The last couple of months have been hard for Deion Sanders, especially because of the dramatic NFL draft chaos that his son Shedeur went through.

The former Colorado star was projected to be a top 5 pick during the 2025 college football season. However, he was the 144th overall pick in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns, sending a shock wave to Coach Prime and his fans.

Coach Prime recently admitted that the whole process affected him and eventually contributed to him losing almost 14 pounds. He also missed a lot of Colorado practice sessions due to an unspecified health issue.

Giving fans an insight into the situation, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith spoke about his conversation with Deion Sanders during Tuesday's "First Take" episode, while host Molly Qerim sent her wishes to the Colorado head coach.

“We just spoke two weeks ago for a lengthy period of time. He sounded absolutely positively fine,” Smith said on First Take.

“But that doesn’t always provide the greatest indication of what somebody is going through. You revered this man and what he has meant to the world of football, to the world of sports overall, so we just pray for his full recovery.”

“Know that you got everybody. You got a whole bunch of people out here rooting for you and wishing you the greatest of health and nothing but love for you, my brother. Get well soon.”

Deion Sanders breaks silence on concerns about his health and return to Colorado football

As the Colorado Buffaloes start their annual summer camp this year, fans were concerned to notice Deion Sanders' absence from the field.

It was later revealed that Coach Prime has taken some time off and is spending it at his home in Texas to recover from an unspecified health concern.

On Wednesday morning, he gave fans an update on his health and wrote:

"I can assure you all that everything is OKAY and will continue to be so. God got me like no other. I have so much more work to do to Glorify God so please believe God got me!."

"I'm excited to get back to Colorado to be at home with my staff, team & all associated to our program. When we arrive back to Boulder you will be updated on everything."

Colorado will kick off the 2025 college football season against Georgia Tech on August 29.

About the author

Saima is an experienced writer with a keen passion for sports and gaming. She grew up in Delhi, India, and developed an interest in college football and basketball via the power of the internet. She has a degree in psychology and over two years of experience in journalism.

College sports hold a special place in her heart, as it's so surreal to see these young gentlemen and women pave the way for their careers on such a large scale.

The 2023 National Championship was a treat to watch as her favorites Michigan and Alabama went head-to-head; however, seeing both head coaches move on to their next chapter of lives left her a bit disheartened.

In her spare time, she loves to psychoanalyze famous personalities, along with other hobbies like playing football and baking.

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Edited by Victor R. Lopez M.