(BSCNN) — Colorado head football coach Deion Sanders announced Monday that he was diagnosed with bladder cancer earlier this year, but after undergoing surgery to remove his bladder, he has been declared cancer-free by his medical team.

The revelation came during a press conference in Boulder, where Sanders appeared alongside Dr. Janet Kukreja, director of urologic oncology at the CU Cancer Center, and Colorado athletic trainer Lauren Askevold.

Sanders, 57, had been absent from team activities throughout May and June while recovering at his estate in Texas. His condition had been kept private until now, though speculation mounted after he missed several key events, including the wedding of star player Travis Hunter and Colorado’s youth football camps. “It’s been a tremendous journey,” Sanders said. “It’s been tough. I lost 25 pounds and I can’t pee like I used to, but I’m grateful”.

Despite the severity of his diagnosis, Sanders confirmed he will return to the sidelines for his third season with the Buffaloes. “I depend on Depends,” he joked, maintaining his trademark humor while encouraging men to get screened for bladder cancer. His medical team emphasized that the cancer was aggressive but caught in time, and Sanders’ prognosis is now positive.

Sanders’ health history has been well-documented. He previously underwent multiple surgeries for blood clots, resulting in the amputation of two toes in 2021. His latest health scare prompted him to draft a will in May, a moment he described as emotionally difficult. “Mentally, emotionally, last night was tough, because I had to make a will,” Sanders said in a video posted by his son.

Colorado’s football program enters a transitional phase following the departure of Sanders’ sons, Shedeur and Shilo, to the NFL, along with Heisman winner Travis Hunter. The Buffaloes are expected to start Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter at quarterback, with five-star freshman Julian Lewis also in the mix. Sanders acknowledged the challenge but expressed optimism: “We have a better team, but we can never replace those type of players”.

Sanders signed a five-year, $54 million contract extension earlier this year, securing his position through 2029. The contract includes provisions related to health-related absences, but for now, Sanders remains committed to leading Colorado. “I’m here today. I’m handling my responsibilities,” he said. “I look forward to it. I can’t wait”.