Stephen A. Smith Lost for Words After Deion Sanders Beats Cancer

Stephen A. Smith Lost for Words After Deion Sanders Beats Cancer originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

On ESPN’s "First Take," longtime analyst Stephen A. Smith took a moment to acknowledge what many fans and colleagues had been processing since Deion Sanders publicly confirmed he is now cancer-free.

The Colorado Buffaloes coach revealed during a press conference Monday that he had battled bladder cancer in secret, ultimately undergoing major surgery to remove the organ and reconstruct his system.

The announcement brought clarity to months of speculation surrounding Sanders’ health, and Smith, who has known Sanders for decades, responded not with debate or stats, but with rare vulnerability.

.@stephenasmith commends Deion Sanders after he announced he is cancer-free ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Cx9m8EPYeA

— First Take (@FirstTake) July 29, 2025

Smith, typically one of sports television’s most animated personalities, struggled to articulate his admiration. “You know, it’s hard to put into words,” he began.

“He’s a beautiful person... when he walks into a room, he just has that magnetic effect and he takes over.” Smith acknowledged that Sanders has always been able to mask pain behind charisma, but this time, he chose transparency.

Stephen A. Praises Sanders for Sharing Vulnerability Through Struggle

During the segment, Smith praised Sanders for being open about his condition once he was ready.

“The fact that he's been so open about his struggles throughout the years is just a testament, not only to his will, how blessed he believes he is, but the importance to him to be able to bless others by sharing his experiences.”

He emphasized that Sanders' willingness to go public with his health battle wasn’t about attention, but rather a reflection of his belief in using his platform to uplift others. Smith noted that behind the swagger and brand is a man committed to helping others see the value in perseverance, faith and health.

“He’s extending it now to all of us, just reminding us about prioritizing, taking care of yourself, putting God first.”

From Hall of Famer to Coach to Survivor: Deion’s Influence Keeps Growing

Smith reminded viewers of the totality of Sanders' career: a Pro Football Hall of Famer, an electrifying MLB athlete and now a transformational college football coach.

“He’s universally recognized, one of the greatest athletes we’ve ever seen... and now he’s blessing young kids and getting their minds right.” Smith also revealed that he and Sanders had spoken in the weeks leading up to the press conference and hinted at the emotional toll behind the scenes.

Still, Smith's final words were personal. “I love my brother. I’m happy that he’s better... It’s just nice to see him in good spirits because without question, there were rough patches. But he’s still here. He’s still fighting.”

Sanders, now recovering and cancer-free, is preparing for the 2025 season at Colorado. Still leading, still building and still reminding the sports world what resilience looks like.

Related: Deion Sanders Responds to Charlie Offerdahl’s Tough Decision with Final Act of Grace

Related: Deion Sanders Pays Emotional Tribute to Randy Moss for Unwavering Support During Illness

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 29, 2025, where it first appeared.