Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders will be absent from the Pac-12 Media Day on Friday due to a planned medical procedure. The university announced that Sanders will undergo a follow-up procedure related to blood clots in his legs on Thursday, necessitating his recovery during the media event. Defensive Coordinator Charles Kelly will represent Colorado in Sanders's place.

The university released a statement confirming the procedure is a routine follow-up to a previous successful procedure and is being conducted under the guidance of Sanders's medical team. While the coach will miss the media day activities in Las Vegas, he is expected to make a full recovery and return to coaching duties in time for fall camp. Representing the Buffaloes at the event will be Sanders's son, Shedeur, a quarterback expected to start for Colorado, and star wide receiver, Travis Hunter, both of whom transferred with Sanders from Jackson State.

In a video message posted on Wednesday, Sanders personally addressed the situation, explaining the need for the procedure to address blood clots in his right leg, following a previous procedure on his left leg last month. He also indicated that a procedure to straighten the toes on his left foot will be necessary following the resolution of the blood clot issue. This latest procedure has been anticipated for some time, as Sanders had previously alluded to it being scheduled "soon." His history of blood flow problems includes missing three games during his tenure at Jackson State due to the amputation of two toes on his left foot, and frequently utilizing crutches or a scooter on the sidelines during the 2021 season.

The Buffaloes' season opener is scheduled for September 2nd against TCU in Fort Worth, Texas, marking the official start of the Sanders era at Colorado. The Horned Frogs are coming off a strong season where they reached the College Football Playoff National Championship game.