Deion Sanders Reveals He Lost Two Toes Following Severe Blood Clots [Video]

Former NFL icon and Jackson State University coach Deion Sanders recently had to undergo toe amputations after experiencing potentially deadly blood clots.

The 54-year-old detailed the devastating experience as part of his Barstool Sports docu-series, “Coach Prime.” The Hall-of-Famer shared that he underwent an operation for a dislocated toe and inflamed nerve in September 2021. He eventually returned to coach his team in the latter part of the season using crutches, a wheelchair, and a scooter. However, he noticed that his toes began to darken underneath his bandages. He soon learned that his family had a long history with blood clots, which was what had developed in his toes and legs. At one point, the situation became so severe that doctors were concerned that he would need a leg amputation to save his life.

The development of a femoral arterial blood clot forced him to undergo additional surgeries, including one to address compartment syndrome, which is a dangerous condition caused by pressure buildup from internal bleeding or swelling of tissues. Doctors were forced to open his leg and drain excess fluid. He would later have two of his toes removed.

“The hardest thing of it all was to look down there and see that, and understand that once upon a time, you were this type of athlete,” Sanders explained. He shared that he was unsure if he’d ever walk again at times.

Despite his nearly month-long stay in the hospital, Sanders continues to heal and is restoring his health.