The NFL preseason always comes with tough roster decisions, and this week, Shilo Sanders, son of Hall of Fame cornerback and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, was one of the names waived as teams trimmed down to 53 players.
Shilo, who went undrafted out of Colorado, spent the offseason with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But his stint was cut short after an incident in the preseason, an ejection for punching Buffalo Bills tight end Zach Davidson, which head coach Todd Bowles publicly called “inexcusable.”
That moment likely didn’t help his case, and by Sunday, the Buccaneers released him ahead of final roster cuts.
While being waived is a blow for any young player chasing his NFL dream, Shilo still has potential options. NFL teams can begin signing players to their practice squads starting August 27, leaving the door open for him to stay in the league even if not on an active roster.
Deion’s Response: “All the Sanders Are Going to Be Straight”
On Tuesday, Deion Sanders addressed his son’s situation, striking a balance between fatherly pride and hard-nosed perspective.
“Oh, most definitely,” he said when asked if he’d spoken with Shilo. “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. This part of fathering, this part of parenting, this part of having a relationship.”
Deion reacts to his son Shilo Sanders getting cut from the Buccaneers 🏈
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 26, 2025
"All of the Sanders' are gonna be straight, with or without football."
(via @CUBuffsFootball) pic.twitter.com/ga2S7jFhqa
Deion emphasized that Shilo is equipped to handle the setback both mentally and physically.
“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, Deion reminded reporters, is not defined solely by football:
“Shilo is a man of many talents. I don’t know if you guys know, but he’s a man of many talents, and he’s going to be straight. All the Sanders are going to be straight, with or without football. You better believe that. I take care of mine, and I always have.”
What’s Next for Shilo
The coming days will determine whether Shilo lands with another NFL team, either on an active roster or as part of a practice squad. Regardless, Deion’s comments underscore the larger message he’s been preaching throughout his coaching and parenting journey: football may be a dream, but it isn’t the only path to success.
For Shilo, the next chapter may still be in the NFL, or it may be beyond the field. Either way, if you ask his father, the outcome is already set: the Sanders family will continue to thrive.
Photo Credit: Instagram – CoachPrime
