Shilo Sanders was not the first option for Tampa Bay: The phone call that changed everything for Deion's son

Shilo Sanders, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, has secured an opportunity with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following a turbulent path to the NFL. While his younger brother Shedeur Sanders entered the league as a fifth-round draft pick for the Cleveland Browns, Shilo's journey was less straightforward, marked by modest collegiate stats, an absence from the combine, and moments of uncertainty. However, through determination and , Shilo has earned a chance to prove himself at the professional level.

The Buccaneers did not initially pursue Shilo Sanders during the 2025 NFL Draft, where they selected six players. According to a social media post by Tampa Tones, it was Shilo's agent who reached out to Tampa Bay's management after the draft. General Manager Jason Licht and Head Coach Todd Bowles quickly agreed to bring him aboard. Bowles later expressed confidence in Shilo's potential, emphasizing his strong tackling ability and football intelligence. "We think he has a shot to help us from a safety standpoint and from a special teams standpoint," Bowles said, dispelling any notion that the g was simply a favor to Deion Sanders.

Shilo's transition to the Buccaneers also comes with a professional shift. After years of being coached and represented by his father, Shilo opted to hire NFL agent Drew Rosenhaus in a move to carve out his own identity. On a Twitch stream announcing his g, Shilo explained, "Dad was our agent, but that hasn't been working out too good. So today I had to sign with an agent." The change underscores Shilo's determination to step out of the shadow of his famous father and younger brother, who has often been the centerpiece of the family's football legacy.

The opportunity of a lifetime

Despite recording 67 tackles, one sack, and two es broken up during his final collegiate season, Shilo's stats have not garnered widespread attention. However, his dedication to improvement has been evident. Ahead of Colorado's Pro Day, Shilo showcased his speed by clocking 4.52 seconds in the 40-yard dash. He even enlisted an analytics company to monitor his progress, demonstrating his commitment to refining his skills and increasing his stock as a player.

Coach Bowles has highlighted Shilo's potential impact on the Buccaneers, saying, "I'm excited to get him in here and see how he moves. He's a very smart player - So we thought it was worth a shot to see what he can do. And I think he'll show himself well." These words have offered hope to Shilo's fans, who are eager to see how he can contribute to Tampa Bay's defense and special teams.

Shilo's story is one of resilience and determination, marked by challenges but bolstered by the unwavering of his family. As he embarks on his NFL career, Shilo has the opportunity to step out from the shadows and make a name for himself on the gridiron. Both he and his younger brother Shedeur now have a chance to showcase their abilities and prove they belong in the league, with eyes set on a bright future ahead.