Deion Sanders pays homage to Colorado player battling cancer

Coach Prime shows he hasn't forgotten about one of his players who's not with them

Deion Sanders/CU Buffs

Deion Sanders paid a moving tribute to Colorado Buffaloes defender Nikhil Webb Walker, who is battling lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Webb Walker was recently diagnosed and is currently stepping away intermittently for treatment, including undergoing chemotherapy in hopes of overcoming the disease.

Before the Buffaloes’ game against Texas Tech, Sanders displayed Webb Walker’s No. 58 jersey in the locker room, a symbolic gesture to remind the team of Webb Walker’s courage and resilience. The tribute underscores the close-knit bond Sanders has fostered within the Buffaloes, one in which players support each other not just on the field but also in life’s most challenging battles. The display of Webb Walker’s jersey served as a powerful reminder of the defensive lineman's presence and spirit, even in his absence.

In a recent touching video captured by Well Off Media, Webb Walker shared his thoughts with his teammates, conveying both his faith and determination in the face of adversity. “Even though it’s tough and I never thought this would happen to me, it’s just the Lord’s way and it’s his plan,” Webb Walker expressed, adding that he didn’t want his personal journey to be a distraction to the team’s goals. Instead, he encouraged his teammates to keep pushing, to stay focused on winning championships.

As Colorado took the field against Texas Tech, the team carried Webb Walker’s message and the weight of his fight with them, unified in their dedication to both their teammate and their season’s ambitions. The game, broadcast at 4 p.m. ET on FOX, reflected a team playing with a shared sense of purpose, strengthened by Webb Walker’s indomitable spirit.