Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie safety Shilo Sanders was ejected from a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills after throwing a punch, which resulted in his release from the team. The incident drew widespread attention and criticism from figures within the football community.
Former All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown commented on social media following the event, stating, “Whole Sanders fam gonna end up getting cut out the league…” Brown’s message quickly circulated among fans and analysts.
During the game, Sanders was penalized for unnecessary roughness after swinging at Bills tight end Zach Davidson. Davidson responded by making a “too small” gesture toward Sanders after the altercation, while officials immediately disqualified Sanders from the contest. His release came one day later. Sanders had joined Tampa Bay on a three-year deal valued at $2.965 million after going undrafted in 2025 but being recognized as a second-team All-SWAC selection during his time at Jackson State.
Sanders’ agents have indicated that they hope another NFL team will claim him off waivers following his departure from Tampa Bay.
The situation also prompted discussion on “Nightcap,” a podcast featuring Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe and former Pro Bowler Chad Johnson. Johnson said, “You can’t do that. You have to be able to control yourself, especially in that moment and in a game,” while Sharpe added, “If you throw a punch, if your arm extends and it touches the other individual, you’re going out of the game every time.” Sharpe continued: “Sometimes you got players that’ll provoke you (…) They never see who initiated, but they gonna always see the person who swings last.”
After going undrafted earlier this year and entering training camp as a third-string safety, this incident marks another setback for Sanders’ professional career.
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