Deion Sanders lost two toes on his left foot due to serious medical complications involving blood clots. After undergoing a routine surgery in September 2021 to repair a dislocated toe and an irritated nerve, Sanders developed blood clots in a major artery of his left leg (femoral artery) which led to restricted blood flow. This condition worsened with the onset of compartment syndrome, causing dangerous swelling and muscle damage in his leg. Despite emergency surgeries, including a fasciotomy to relieve pressure, the reduced blood flow resulted in the big toe and second toe on his left foot turning gangrenous, necessitating their amputation to save his leg and life. Sanders also faced the risk of losing his entire leg or foot during this ordeal but was able to preserve it.
He later chose to amputate the toes rather than stay hospitalized longer, which would have caused him to miss more games as a football coach. His underlying risk was likely compounded by a genetic predisposition to blood clots and possibly high cholesterol.
In summary, Deion Sanders lost his toes due to blood clots causing critical circulation problems after foot surgery, which led to tissue death and amputation to save his leg and life.
