Sophia
In a surprising turn of events, Shilo Sanders, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, finds himself at a career crossroads. Following his recent release from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a notable preseason ejection, Sanders is openly contemplating a pivot from professional football, exploring avenues in music, modeling, and acting, while still holding out hope for another shot at an NFL roster.
A Preseason Incident and Immediate Aftermath
Sanders’ NFL journey hit a significant snag during the Buccaneers’ preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills. He was ejected from the game for throwing a punch, an incident that quickly led to his release from the team less than 24 hours later. The NFL has since levied a fine of $4,669 against Sanders for the altercation, as reported by ESPN.
“I’ll be talking to my agent and we’re waiting on the next opportunity,” Sanders shared on Instagram. “If that’s in the NFL, cool, but God has blessed me with a lot of talent to do things other than football.”
Considering Life Beyond the Gridiron
Despite the setback, Sanders maintains a positive outlook, viewing this period as a chapter for personal and professional growth. His agents, Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey, have expressed hope that he will be claimed on waivers, indicating that the door to an NFL return is not entirely closed.
“I feel like this is just part of my story to grow and do bigger and better things,” Sanders stated. “Whether it’s finding another team, whether it’s getting another opportunity in the NFL, it is what it is. My time being with the Buccaneers has been nothing but great. The city, my teammates, my coaches, everybody has poured in love and support toward me and I’ll be forever grateful for that.”
A Collegiate Journey and NFL Aspirations
Sanders’ collegiate career saw him make stops at South Carolina, Jackson State (following his father), and ultimately Colorado. As an undrafted free agent, he joined the Buccaneers after a standout junior season at Colorado in 2023, where he led the team in tackles. Despite missing three games due to injury last year, he still finished third on the team in tackles, showcasing his defensive prowess.
While the preseason ejection undoubtedly played a role in his release, it’s also worth noting that the Buccaneers possess a deep secondary. Sanders was competing in a highly competitive fall camp, and he might have faced an uphill battle to secure a roster spot regardless of the incident.
What’s Next for Shilo Sanders?
As the NFL season approaches, the football world will be watching to see if another team gives Sanders an opportunity. In the meantime, his exploration of other creative avenues highlights a growing trend among athletes to diversify their careers and leverage their personal brands beyond their primary sport. Whether he ultimately returns to the gridiron or embarks on a new path in entertainment, Shilo Sanders’ journey promises to be an interesting one to follow.
