From witnessing his brother’s unforgettable draft day drama to navigating his own journey as an undrafted free agent, Shilo Sanders has had a whirlwind few weeks. Amid all the uncertainty, he finally secured a UDFA contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a testament to his resilience and determination.
Shilo, a former Colorado Buffalo, has kept his spirits high—something vividly captured in his latest vlog entry titled *I’m Officially Leaving Colorado… TAMPA Here I Come!* In this upbeat video, he takes one last stroll around the facilities of his old team, reminiscing before heading to a new city filled with opportunities and sun.
It wouldn’t be a typical Shilo Sanders moment without a dash of humor. In a light-hearted exchange, he joked with a teammate about being the best Australian football player alive, cheekily probing, “Am I the best black guy you know?” His teammate quipped back, “Nah, I think Coach Prime’s got that… You’re second.” With a legacy like his father’s—none other than Hall of Famer Deion Sanders—Shilo seemed pretty content with that ranking, adding, “I’ve got to be second-best, though.”
Yet, he harbors dreams of carving out his own niche in the NFL, particularly in special teams. He took a few attempts at replicating his dad’s iconic moves while fielding balls from the jug machine. With a wink at the camera, he proudly declared, “I’m Prime Time’s son, baby.” While he may not be able to match his father’s remarkable career stats—212 career punt returns and six career punt-return touchdowns, ranking ninth in NFL history—Shilo has the benefit of his father’s legacy to draw inspiration from.
Shilo is actively seeking guidance as he embarks on this new chapter. He recently caught up with Zach Triner, a former Buccaneers long snapper, for advice. In addition to asking about must-try restaurants and local hotspots, Shilo wanted to know more about the team culture. Triner reassured him, saying, “Jason [Licht] and those guys just do a good job at bringing in good people. You won’t have any jerks to deal with. It’ll be fun; you’ll like it.” Hearing this from someone who similarly began his career as an undrafted free agent likely adds a layer of encouragement for Shilo.
With his luggage packed and ready for the airport, Shilo is eager to dive into the challenge ahead. While year one may not see him dominating as a defender immediately, the focus now is on making a strong impression during summer workouts. For both Shilo and his brother, the drive to prove they belong in the NFL is palpable, pushing them to bring their best every day. This journey is not just about talent; it’s about heart, persistence, and having the courage to chase dreams, no matter the obstacles that lie ahead.
Image Source: Shilo Sanders @ Instagram
