The Colorado Buffaloes just wrapped a disappointing 2025 season under Deion Sanders, finishing 3–9 overall and 15th in the Big 12 with a 1–8 conference record. This significant step back followed the departure of Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and star quarterback Shedeur Sanders to the 2025 NFL Draft.
However, far more difficult than the struggles on the gridiron was the life-threatening health crisis Coach Prime faced. In the spring of 2025, he was diagnosed with an aggressive, high-grade bladder cancer that required the surgical removal and reconstruction of his bladder, forcing him to confront his own mortality before being declared cancer-free later that summer.
During those difficult months, actress Karrueche Tran stayed by Deion’s side like a true life partner. But as the Hall of Fame coach battled cancer, he urged her to leave and lead a burden-free life.
Deion Sanders handed Karrueche Tran an escape clause during his cancer diagnosis
Their relationship started quietly earlier that year but went public through Deion Jr.’s YouTube documentary. Footage from that doc showed a raw moment of Tran crying as she held Deion’s hand while he was wheeled into surgery in July. It was the first real confirmation of their romantic connection.
But the 58-year-old didn’t expect her to stay. In a recent Instagram video that dropped just days ago, the Colorado coach revealed he gave Tran an out during his darkest hour.
Deion Sanders Breaks Silence on Romance with Karrueche Tran
Deion Sanders Breaks Silence on Romance with Karrueche Tran
“I gave you your out,” Deiontold Tran in the clip as they sat together on what appears to be a train. “You didn’t sign up for this. This ain’t what you signed up for. I wouldn’t have been upset if you dipped.”
Deion Sanders girlfriend Karrueche Tran reveals that Deion said she can leave him after he got cancer last year, but she stayed by his side the whole time ❤️🙏
“That’s not the type of person I am. If I dipped, I would’ve taken the easy way out”
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— Slime🐍 (@ItsKingSlime) February 16, 2026
He continued, “This is getting ready to be tough. I would not doubt you, I would not ridicule you, I would not be upset if you dip.”
Tran refused to take the escape clause Deion offered, saying, “That’s not the type of person I am. If I dipped, I would’ve taken the easy way out. It wasn’t something I was able to do. I believe that the time that God brought us together is for a reason.”
The 37-year-old actress, known for her roles in “Claws” and “The Bay,” has spoken openly about the toll of watching Deion struggle through his recovery. And since confirming their relationship on Instagram in late December 2025, Tran has become a fixture in the Sanders clan.
She spent Christmas with the group, where Shilo Sanders jokingly introduced her as his “stepmom” in a YouTube vlog. Deioneven drove two hours to travel to Texas to meet Tran’s parents, a clear sign that the relationship is serious.
The couple alsosupported Shedeur at a Cleveland Browns game, where he served as the starting quarterback during his rookie season. When asked about the holidays, Trancalledthe quality time with the Sanders family “amazing.”
Now cancer-free, Deion is focused on rebuilding the Buffaloes for 2026. He hired offensive coordinator Brennan Marion to install the “Go-Go” offense with freshman quarterback Julian Lewis. The team is coming off a 3–9 season, with one of the lowest-ranked offenses in the Big 12.
Throughout the ordeal, Tran stayed by Deion’s side the whole time, staying by his side even after Deion offered her a way out following his diagnosis.