Temple University educator Dr. Leslie Robinson to Deion Sanders: ‘You’re worrying me – please take a break’
Renowned podiatrist, health advocate and educator Dr. Leslie Robinson has written an emotional open letter to Colorado State football coach Deion Sanders, urging the Hall of Famer to slow down and focus on recovery as he faces another health scare.
The letter, submitted to AllHipHop and titled “Deion, You’re Worrying Me – Please Take a Break,” acknowledges Sanders’ unparalleled toughness and perseverance but warns that continued overexertion could endanger his life.
“Dion, you have proven to the world your resilience and determination,” Robinson wrote. “Your faith and struggles have inspired millions. But now, it’s time to rest. Healing is not weakness, but wisdom. The world needs your leadership, but even more so, your health and wholeness.”
Robinson’s news came as Sanders, 58, revealed he was scheduled to undergo a medical procedure on Tuesday to address new complications from a blood clot in his leg. After Saturday’s 35-21 loss to TCU, the Colorado coach told reporters he believed more blood clots had formed, saying, “I’m hurting like crazy.”
During his weekly press conference, Sanders confirmed the impending procedure but remained optimistic:
“I can’t wait to get over this hurdle,” he said. “It’s hereditary and has nothing to do with the level I want to compete at. Fingers crossed I can come back tomorrow because I won’t miss training. I’m not planning on doing that.”
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Patterns of Pain and Persistence
Sanders, who alternated between limping and sitting during Saturday’s game, took off his left shoe in the second half and later admitted his leg was “twitching.” His Buffaloes (2-4, 0-3 Big 12) are preparing to face No. 22 Iowa State (5-1, 2-1) this weekend.
Longtime friend and former NFL cornerback Adam “Pac-Man” Jones attended Tuesday’s meeting to show support and joined the ranks of well-wishers encouraging Sanders to rest. But the coach ignored his suggestions to slow down.
“There was nothing I could do to stop what was happening,” he said. “That’s it.”
Sanders’ circulation issues first made headlines in 2021 when he was hospitalized for 23 days while coaching at Jackson State and underwent multiple surgeries that resulted in the amputation of two toes and the removal of part of his left calf. He then underwent additional surgery to remove blood clots and straighten his toes before committing to Colorado in 2023.
Earlier this year, Sanders was diagnosed with aggressive bladder cancer, requiring a section of bowel to be removed and his bladder reconstructed. He has spoken openly about his recovery, even revealing that he uses adult diapers during games and that Colorado State provided him with portable sideline restrooms.
Throughout it all, Sanders continued to coach, often citing his faith as the source of his strength.
“I believe in God with all my heart,” he said Tuesday. “I’m going to go out there and get the best sleep in the world for, I think, four hours – and the surgery is about to start. I’ve never been excited for a day in my life. I’ve never drank or smoked or anything. But when I get these surgeries, I get there on time.”
Doctor’s perspective
In his letter, Dr. Robinson highlighted the risk of Sanders’ current medical conditions, peripheral artery disease (PAD) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), both of which affect circulation but in different ways and can be fatal.
“Walking or being highly active when there is a risk of blood clots can be dangerous,” Robinson warns. “Prompt medical attention and rest are crucial.”
She noted that peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a chronic arterial disease that causes wounds to heal slowly and, if left untreated, may lead to amputation. DVT, a sudden blockage of a vein, can send blood clots to the lungs, causing a fatal pulmonary embolism. An embolism is when a foreign object travels through the bloodstream and blocks a blood vessel.
She said the legendary coach and former player should be both an inspiration and a warning, a testament to resilience but also a reminder of limits.
“Dionne’s courage was extraordinary,” Robinson wrote. “But the body still needs time to recover.”
The following is the full text of the exclusive letter:
Deion, you’re worrying me – please take a break.
A heartfelt reflection on the importance of health, strength and recovery.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) both affect circulation, but in very different ways. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when the arteries that carry blood from the heart become narrowed by plaque buildup, gradually reducing blood flow to the legs. This may cause pain or cramping in the legs when walking (claudication), cold or pale skin, and slow healing of wounds.
In contrast, DVT involves the sudden formation of blood clots in deep veins (most commonly in the legs), preventing blood from returning to the heart. It usually causes swelling, warmth, redness, and tenderness in one leg. PAD is a chronic arterial disease often associated with diabetes, smoking, and high cholesterol, while DVT is an acute venous disease often triggered by immobility, surgery, or a blood clotting disorder.
Both conditions require immediate medical attention. In peripheral arterial disease (PAD), it is critical to prevent tissue loss and amputation, while diagnosing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is critical to preventing potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism when blood clots travel to the lungs.
Deion Sanders has faced both conditions, as well as multiple surgeries, amputation, and even a history of cancer. His story is one of incredible strength, courage and perseverance, but also a reminder of how serious vascular disease can be. Walking or remaining active when you are at risk for blood clots can be life-threatening, so medical evaluation and rest are crucial.
Deion, you have proven your resilience and determination to the world. Your beliefs and struggles have inspired millions. But now, it’s time to rest. Healing is not weakness, but wisdom. The world needs your leadership, but it needs your health and integrity even more. Take the time to exercise your body.
