Deion Sanders, a Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee and current University of Colorado head football coach, addressed the recent release of his son Shilo Sanders from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The younger Sanders was waived after being ejected for punching an opponent during the team’s final preseason National Football League game.
Speaking to reporters following a University of Colorado practice, Deion Sanders commented on the situation and his son’s prospects. “He’s my son, and I’m proud of my kids, all of them, and I’ve prepared my kids for any and everything that could possibly happen in life and in sports,” he said. “That’s part of fathering, that’s part of parenting, that’s part of having a relationship.” Sanders noted that Shilo is physically and mentally ready but must wait for another chance in professional football.
“We’re praying that he gets another opportunity to go with a team, but if he doesn’t, the plans have already been put forward for what he’s going to do next,” Sanders told reporters. “Shilo’s a man of many talents, I don’t know if you guys know, he’s a man of many talents, and he’s going to be straight. All the Sanders are going to be straight with or without football, you better believe that. You better believe that. I take care of mine and I always have, and y’all know what I mean. And you better believe that.”
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles also commented on Shilo’s conduct during the game: “You can’t throw punches in this league, that’s inexcusable (…). They’re going to get you every time. You’ve got to grow from that.”
Shilo Sanders played six seasons at the college level—four under his father at Jackson State University and later at Colorado—before joining Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent earlier this year. He participated in three preseason games prior to being waived after striking Buffalo Bills tight end Zach Davidson.
Shilo’s younger brother Shedeur is also beginning his rookie season in the National Football League as the Cleveland Browns’ third quarterback. Regarding establishing their own paths beyond their father’s legacy, Shilo recently stated according to ESPN: “We have to grow up and do things on our own (…) So that’s why I want my dad to come out here, but at the same time, it’s time to grow and to figure things out and go through the grind.”
The future remains uncertain for Shilo as both he and his family consider possibilities beyond football.
