- NFL. Shilo Sanders is willing to make a fool of himself to satisfy his teammates in Tampa and earn a spot on the Buccaneers
- NFL. Shilo Sanders will have to stop doing what he loves if he doesn't want to get in trouble with Deion Sanders Jr.
Shilo Sanders, son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders, has impressed Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this past week, drawing strong praise for both his football instincts and leadership qualities.
"His performance in OTAs has been more than just effort," Bowles said. "He's smart, vocal, and understands the game. He has been doing a good job from day one."
It's a strong endorsement from Bowles, himself a former NFL safety, and it demonstrates the value Sanders has brought to Tampa Bay since g with the team as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL Draft.
From ACL comeback to NFL opportunity
While Sanders' NFL opportunity didn't come via the draft, his journey to the league reflects resilience, adaptability, and steady development.
He began his college career at South Carolina in 2019 before transferring to Jackson State University when his father became head coach. There, he earned second-team All-SWAC honors in 2021, before a torn ACL cut his 2022 season short.
Fully recovered, Sanders followed his father to the University of Colorado in 2023. Over two seasons with the Buffaloes, he racked up 125 tackles, three tackles for loss, an interception, and four breakups in 19 games.
Shilo's father, Deion Sanders, reposted Bowles' remarks on social media with a proud caption: "So Proud of u son. @shilosanders So Proud! #Dad & #CoachPrime."
It was a heartfelt moment from one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history, a man who boasts eight Pro Bowl selections, six first-team All-Pro honors, and two Super Bowl rings. Deion remains the only athlete to have played in both a Super Bowl and a World Series.
But lately, his greatest achievements may be coming from the sideline. After revitalizing Jackson State and leading the Colorado Buffaloes to a 9-4 record in 2024, securing their first full-season bowl eligibility since 2016.
For Shilo, the path forward will depend on how he performs during training camp and the preseason. The Buccaneers are expected to keep a close eye on their secondary depth, and Sanders' ability to contribute on special teams and defense could earn him a roster spot.