Deion Sanders -- Hospitalized For Possible Kidney Stones

Deion Sanders was hospitalized Sunday afternoon -- after landing at LAX and feeling a sharp pain in his gut ... TMZ has learned.

Prime needed immediate attention after arriving in Los Angeles -- and tells us he received assistance from two very helpful firefighters.

We're told the 46-year-old athlete is currently being checked out for kidney stones -- as well as possible appendix issues ... but still no firm answer on the cause.

Sanders couldn't have been in too much pain though ... since he had time to snap pics with the guys who helped him out.