Shilo Sanders, the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Deion Sanders, is seeking another opportunity in the National Football League after being waived by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 25-year-old safety was released following his ejection from a preseason game for throwing a punch at Buffalo Bills tight end Zach Davidson. The incident occurred after Davidson blocked Sanders, leading to Sanders striking him in the helmet.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders addressed his son’s situation and future prospects. “I’m proud of my kids, all of them. I prepared my kids for any and everything that could possibly happen in life and in sports. That’s part of fathering, that’s part of parenting, that’s part of having a relationship. So, he is mentally where he needs to be, physically where he needs to be. (…) 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 to what he’s going to do next. Shilo’s a man of many talents and he’s going to be straight. All of the Sanders are going to be straight, with or without football. You better believe that,” said Deion Sanders.
The younger Sanders joined the Buccaneers as an undrafted player after not being selected in the 2025 National Football League Draft. His ejection during the team’s final preseason game may have influenced Tampa Bay’s decision not to include him on its regular season roster.
Buccaneers head coach Toddy Bowles commented on the altercation after the game: “You can’t throw punches in this league. I mean, that’s inexcusable. They’re gonna get you every time. Gotta grow from that,” said Bowles.
Sanders’ future remains uncertain as other teams have until Wednesday afternoon to claim him off waivers; otherwise, he will become a free agent and could pursue a spot on a practice squad.
In addition to his career challenges, Shilo Sanders is currently involved in personal bankruptcy proceedings stemming from an $11 million legal judgement related to an incident from his high school years.
