Shilo Sanders, son of Colorado coach and NFL Hall of Famer Deion “Prime Time” Sanders made headlines during Saturday’s preseason matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Buffalo Bills.
The young defensive back was ejected after throwing a punch at tight end Zach Davidson, who continued to aggressively block him well after the whistle. The next day, Tampa Bay had waived him.
His agents, Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey, are still hopeful. “We’re hoping he gets claimed on waivers,” Rosenhaus said, adding that Sanders’ competitive fire is part of what makes him such a fascinating prospect.
In less than 24 hours, rookie safety Shilo Sanders got ejected from a game and then waived from the Buccaneers. pic.twitter.com/HcyUk5uv9e
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 24, 2025
Even Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles, one of the NFL’s most respected defensive minds, acknowledged what Sanders brings to the field. “Shilo’s very aggressive, very young, very hungry,” Bowles told ESPN. “He can make plays in the box, and we know he can run down and give us 100 percent on special teams. This last week is going to be very important for those guys to show up.”
On Sunday, Pro Football Talk reported Tampa Bay may still be open to Sanders joining the team as a practice squad member if he clears the waivers. The team reportedly “enjoyed” him and says that the player was “remorseful” for striking another player.
