Deion Sanders has 2 toes amputated after medical setback
ByAssociated Press
ByAssociated Press
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI — Deion Sanders had two toes on his left foot amputated due to blood clots stemming from a previous surgery.
The Jackson State head coach and NFL Hall of Famer and former Falcons player revealed the severity of his foot injury in an episode of his “Coach Prime” documentary series that will air Tuesday night on Barstool Sports.
Sanders was hospitalized for around a month in the middle of last season when the Tigers finished 11-2.
He had a dislocated toe along with an inflamed nerve. His initial procedure was in September and he later returned to the field for practice using a golf cart and crutches. He roamed the sideline for a game with the help of a push scooter.
As he healed, his toes began to darken under the bandages.
“They were talking about the amputation of toes,” said Sanders. “Then they were talking about the amputation of my leg from the knee down. Then, they were trying to ensure I had life.”
The 54-year-old Sanders underwent several surgeries. He developed a femoral arterial blood clot. He also had compartment syndrome, where his leg swelled up, and doctors had to flay open his leg to drain fluid. Sanders later had his big toe and the second toe amputated.
RELATED PHOTOS: Deion Sanders through the years
0 of 15
The Atlanta Falcons’ Deion Sanders gestures to the crowd before returning a punt for 68 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter of play against the Rams on Sept. 10, 1989.
Atlanta Falcon Deion Sanders on the bench with 2 minutes or less left in a game against the Rams on Sept. 10, 1989.
Deon Sanders played for the Cincinnati Reds in all or part of 4 seasons 970414 - Atlanta, Georgia - Cincinnati Reds Deion Sanders comes home after scoring a run in the first inning Monday night, April 14, 1997 at Turner Field. Sanders and his teammates have modified the sleeve length of their uniforms in honor of Jackie Robinson and the National League is not happy. (AJC Staff Photo/Jonathan Newton)
Deion Sanders played for the Cincinnati Reds in all or part of 4 seasons 970414 - Atlanta, Georgia - Reds Deion Sanders heads for second on a wild pitch on April 14, 1997. He ended up at third and later scored. Sanders has modified the sleeves on his uniform to honor Jackie Robinson. (AJC Staff Photo/Jonathan Newton)
Former Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta Braves player, Deion Sanders, took time to enjoy the best thrills at the Southeast’s largest theme park, Six Flags Over Georgia recently.
Deion Sanders speaks ahead of Super Bowl LI (Jennifer Brett / The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Former NFL player Deion Sanders (R) and businesswoman Tracey Edmonds attend LIFEWTR: Art After Dark, including 1893, at Club Nomadic during Super Bowl LI Weekend on February 3, 2017 in Houston, Texas.
Hall of Famer Deion Sanders
Deion Sanders MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 13: Broadcaster and Pro Football Hall of Fame member, Deion Sanders stands on the sidelines before the Buffalo Bills met the Miami Dolphins in a game at Sun Life Stadium on November 13, 2014 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) (Joel Auerbach)
Sanders worked as an NFL Network analyst BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 26: NFL Network analyst Deion Sanders appears on set during the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins game at M&T Bank Stadium on October 26, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) (Rob Carr)
Deion Sanders
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 31: Deion Sanders attends SiriusXM at Super Bowl LIII Radio Row on January 31, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
Deion Sanders has 2 toes amputated after medical setback FILE - Jackson State head coach Deion Sanders watches on the sideline during the first half of the Cricket Celebration Bowl NCAA college football game against South Carolina State on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, in Atlanta. Deion Sanders had two toes on his left foot amputated due to blood clots stemming from a previous surgery. The Jackson State head coach and NFL Hall of Famer revealed the severity of his foot injury in an upcoming episode of his “Coach Prime” documentary series that will air Tuesday night, March 8, 2022, on Barstool Sports.(AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr., File)
