Deion Sanders Says His Leg Was ‘Filleted Open’ To Avoid Amputation

NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders finally revealed Tuesday the extent of his leg complications which stemmed from foot surgery—and it ain’t pretty.

Never one short for words, Sanders said his left leg last fall was “filleted open” and drained to avoid a knee-down amputation. Further, he had the big toe and “pointer toe” on his left foot removed. He said the entire ordeal caused him to lose 35 pounds.

The Jackson State head coach said he sustained three femoral arterial blood clots in his leg in the days after foot surgery. Doctors then advised him that, to avoid having his leg amputated from the knee down, surgeons would have to cut deep into his leg and drain fluid.

After his toes were removed, “Prime” was able to avoid further complications—for which Sanders credits his faith in God.

The injury hasn’t hindered Sanders’ sense of humor.

“The devil wanted to mess with my mobility,” Sanders said, “but he couldn’t mess with my ability.”