Deion Sanders went through one of the most challenging stretches of his life in 2025. It wasn't just a tough season on the field for Colorado. It was a far more serious fight off it.
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In the middle of that battle was actor Karrueche Tran, who stayed by Sanders' side as he dealt with bladder cancer and the recovery that followed. But as it turns out, their relationship was tested in a very real way.
Speaking in a video shared by Sanders' son, Tran revealed that Sanders gave her an out during the hardest moments, via USA Today.
"This man told me, 'You don't have to stay. You don't have to deal with it,'" she said.
Sanders confirmed that mindset, explaining the experience changed how he viewed life and the people in it. He wanted Tran to have a choice, not an obligation.
"What I went through last year, it triggered something in me to start living," Sanders said. "I gave you your out."
Tran, though, never seriously considered leaving. She described the experience as emotionally difficult, but also something she wasn't willing to walk away from.
🔥 Coach Prime & Karrueche. Stuck Together. Got Through Last Year 💛
"What I went through last year, it triggered something in me to start living. I gave you your out..."
📽️ @DeionSandersJr https://t.co/D26JIqRiQH pic.twitter.com/zsCXNlOqZk
— JaKi 🇺🇸 (@JaKiTruth) February 16, 2026
"If I had dipped, I would've taken the easy way out," she said. "It was hard. It was difficult mentally to see you go through that struggle. But we made it work."
Sanders announced in July that he had overcome bladder cancer after undergoing major surgery, including the removal of his bladder and the creation of a prosthetic one. He has since returned to full health.
The football results may not have gone his way last season. Off the field, though, it's clear Sanders came through something much bigger, with his support system — including Tran — still firmly in place.
