“Praying for you”: Coach Prime pens heartfelt message for Deon Cole as American comedian spends birthday in hospital

Colorado Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders, also known as "Coach Prime," showed his compassionate side during a well-earned break after a 9-3 season and an Alamo Bowl loss to BYU. Despite the demanding college football grind, Sanders hasn’t forgotten to uplift those close to him, including American comedian Deon Cole.

Cole, famous for his Emmy-nominated work on Conan and his standout role on Black-ish, shared a post on X while spending his birthday in the hospital due to an undisclosed medical condition.

“Thank u all for your birthday well wishes. I sure could use them. Thank you all,” he captioned a photo of himself in a hospital bed.

Coach Prime was quick to respond with an emotional message, writing:

“Praying for u and Happy Blessed birthday my brother. 🙏🏾💯✅.”

Cole is known for his humor and has made a name for himself in Hollywood and beyond. His work in comedy and television has earned him accolades, including recognition from the NAACP and SAG Awards.

Coach Prime lifts up spirit of cancer-fighting former FSU player

Coach Prime is known for lifting spirits both on and off the field. This week, the Colorado coach shared an emotional birthday tribute to his "big brother," Keith Ross, a former Florida State football player and law enforcement officer currently battling cancer.

"Happy Birthday to my Big Brother KEITH ROSS from Newberry," Sanders wrote on X. "He’s always been a man I’ve looked up to. We may lose him soon, but I want all y’all to please lift up his wife Vedoutie Ross; she’s going through one of the toughest times of her life."

Ross played running back for the Seminoles from 1985 to 1988. He has 789 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns to his name. He and Sanders, an FSU cornerback during those years, shared the field and built a lasting bond.