Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown recently shared a video on social media featuring himself running drills against rookie Shilo Sanders, the recently released Tampa Bay Buccaneers wideout.
Brown’s post included a comment that hinted at his assessment of Sanders’ abilities: “Yall tried to gas him… I’ve always known.”
The video quickly drew attention from fans and analysts, illustrating Brown’s continued athleticism and sparking discussion about Sanders’ early professional struggles.
Brown enjoyed a highly productive NFL career, widely regarded as one of the league’s top receivers over the past decade. Known for his exceptional speed, agility, and route-running, he left the league under controversial circumstances.
His final season was cut short during a game against the New York Jets when he refused to play while injured, ultimately removing his jersey mid-drive and walking off the field.
Despite the abrupt end to his career, Brown’s skill set remains evident, as highlighted by the recent video showcasing his ability to outperform a younger, less experienced player.
Shilo Sanders’ transition to the NFL
Shilo Sanders entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 draft, signing with the Buccaneers. He arrived with notable college credentials and the advantage of being the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders.
However, Sanders Jr faced challenges adapting to the professional level. Preseason performance exposed limitations in coverage ability, a skill that had not been fully refined due to injuries and inconsistencies during his college career. While he demonstrated solid tackling, technical gaps affected his overall effectiveness on the field.
Sanders’ prospects were further complicated by an ejection in the final preseason game following an on-field altercation.
While the Buccaneers’ decision to release him was not solely based on this incident, it highlighted concerns regarding discipline and readiness for the NFL environment.
Sanders remains a young player with potential and is expected to pursue tryouts with other teams in the near future.
Brown’s social media post suggests that he anticipated these difficulties, using the footage to emphasize the contrast between his own experience and the challenges facing a new player.
The video demonstrates that even several years removed from the NFL, Brown maintains elite-level athleticism and technical skill, underlining why he was among the league’s most dominant wide receivers during his career.
Fitness difficulties for Shilo?
The interaction between Brown and Sanders also reflects a broader reality of the NFL: transitioning from college to the professional ranks is challenging, and success is not guaranteed for even highly regarded prospects.
Brown’s performance in drills provides a clear benchmark for the level of skill and preparation required to compete at the highest level.
As Sanders explores opportunities with other teams, Brown’s video continues to circulate on social media. It serves both as a display of Brown’s enduring capabilities and as a reminder of the difficulties facing young players entering the NFL, illustrating the high standards expected for success in professional football.
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