Prime Time has again shown us why he is a legend. For a football coach, nothing beats the allure of the gridiron, and Deion Sanders is no different. No one would have batted an eye if Coach Prime had taken the week off or remained away from the sidelines after his surgery. But if we know anything about him, it’s that he’ll always be there for his players. The Buffs’ roster needed their head coach as they took on Iowa State. But it came on the back of a health sacrifice by Deion Sanders.

Coach Sanders has many of his iconic catchphrases. One of which beautifully paints his post-game health journey. ‘Look good, play good. Play good, eat good. Eat good, die good.’ After a painful cancer surgery that left him with an artificial bladder, his blood clots resurfaced. But the coach was determined not to let it affect him on the sidelines, for a high-stakes matchup against a ranked opponent was coming close. On Tuesday, October 7, he underwent another surgical procedure, and four days later was seen shouting calls on the sidelines.

Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson were filled with awe and pride for their friend and the Buffs’ HC. “Coach Prime returned to the sidelines only four days after having surgery to remove blood clots,” Sharpe started on the October 11 episode of Nightcap.  The most jaw-dropping part? “He apparently did not sit down during the entire game.” Sharpe added. “And ESPN reported that an assistant on the sideline was following him around with a stool in case he needed it.”

Colorado edged out the No. 22 Iowa State Hawkeyes, 24-17, and Coach Prime got his second win against a ranked opponent. The win took the Buffs to 3-4, giving them a chance to make it to the bowl game for the second straight time under Deion Sanders. That will be an achievement for a roster in transition that had to deal with some tough, close losses this season.

Ocho talked about how Coach Prime’s presence must have motivated the players. “I’m sure Prime, having to come out of surgery, still being there, showing up, showing up for your players. It gives you a little bit more will. It gives you a little bit more want to as a player, a want to fight, not only for your coach, but your teammates as well,” he said.

Coach Prime’s health has been a topic of concern for the program. The former Jackson State head coach has long struggled with blood clots. Back in 2021, doctors amputated two of his toes on his left leg, forcing him to miss three games that year. With an additional procedure in 2023. But this time, he was determined not to miss any of the games and showed up for his boys.

Moreover, with his artificially constructed bladder, he needs to visit the restroom frequently. A portable sideline bathroom was constructed just for his needs. His health concerns have never snuffed out his fiery spirit; rather, he has burned more brightly for his boys. “I cannot wait to get past this hurdle,” Coach had said. And his energy spilled onto the roster.

Deion Sanders: “I trust God.”

Over the last few months, Deion Sanders’ health issues kept him away from the sidelines. The recent surgery on October 7 was his 16th blood clot surgery since 2021. “I trust God with all my heart and all my soul and all my mind,” Sanders had said on Tuesday. “I’m going to go in there (surgery), and I’m going to get some of the best sleep in the world for, I think, four hours, the surgery is going to be.”

Coaching from a box becomes challenging, as it separates physical interaction with the players. And Prime Time was resolute.  Colorado linebacker Jeremiah Brown said it gave the roster a reason to fight. Post-game, Brown shared a heartfelt tribute to his coach. “Coach Prime had the surgery Tuesday. He came back that Wednesday morning after a four-hour surgery,” he said. “He was hurt… and he was limping on the field, hurting, still running around. He was giving us all the energy we need.”

Offensive lineman Zy Crisler chimed in, “Coach Prime is a Warrior. He gonna do what he got to do, and I salute Coach Prime.