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Shilo Sanders’ NFL journey hit a roadblock when the Colorado safety went undrafted this past April. Living in the shadow of his famous father Deion Sanders hasn’t been easy – especially without the glamorous quarterback position his brother Shedeur enjoys. While internet fame might’ve boosted his sibling’s profile, Shilo had to earn his opportunity the hard way.
And he almost did.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Sanders as an undrafted free agent, giving him a chance to prove himself during preseason. That opportunity evaporated in his final exhibition game when Sanders lost his cool against the Buffalo Bills, attempting to punch tight end Zach Davidson – resulting in an immediate ejection.
Head coach Todd Bowles didn’t mince words about the incident. “You can’t throw punches in this league,” Bowles told reporters through the team’s website. “That’s inexcusable. They’re going to get you every time. Gotta grow from that.”
The Aftermath: Where’s Shilo Now?
Sanders found himself waived shortly after the incident, his NFL dream temporarily derailed. Since then, it’s been mostly silence from the former Colorado standout, though fan speculation continues to bubble across social media platforms.
FanSided analyst Lior Lampert suggested Pittsburgh as an ideal landing spot, writing: “If anyone can maximize Sanders, it’s Mike Tomlin. The Steelers’ longtime sideline general has constantly made lemonade out of lemons during his time as the leader of the Black and Gold. Despite sporting one of the better overall defenses in the league last season, Pittsburgh’s secondary was leaky at times, allowing the ninth-most passing yards. Can they improve on that mark sans Fitzpatrick, even with seven-time Pro Bowl corner Jalen Ramsey in the mix?”
The Steelers had their shot at claiming Sanders off waivers but passed. Even Tampa Bay – who could’ve signed him to their practice squad after “teaching him a lesson” – opted instead for safety Jack Henderson.
Father and Son: Different Paths
Coach Prime remains confident in his son’s future, regardless of what happens next.
“Oh, most definitely [I’ve talked to him],” Deion said recently. “He’s my son, I’m proud of my kids, all of them. And 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.”
While Deion’s support is unwavering, there’s an irony here – the Hall of Fame cornerback never experienced the struggle his son now faces. Despite occasional doubters, Prime Time’s transcendent talent and larger-than-life persona always guaranteed him roster spots throughout his legendary career.
That’s something he couldn’t prepare Shilo for.
What Coach Prime did provide his children, however, is preparation for life beyond the gridiron. With his substantial social media following and name recognition, Shilo has options many others in his position wouldn’t. As his father suggests, he’s a young man of various talents who’ll find his path – whether that includes an NFL comeback or pursuing success in an entirely different arena.
