Shilo Sanders is once again in the NFL headlines. Just weeks after he was waived by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the promising safety player worked out with the San Francisco 49ers leading up to Week 4, sources said.
The fact that he was cut off the team was a key point in his career and now the young proscpect is willing to keep training with the intention to join the team who fights for and believes in him the most. He is basically looking for a second chance.
From an early setback to trying again
Sanders’ initial NFL adventure was playing for the Buccaneers as a free agent. His journey in Tampa, however, was a bit short after a preseason game in which he was released right after he threw a punch at a Buffalo Bills player. The Bucs immediately got rid of him, putting his career in a tough position.
However, less than a month after his departure, the San Francisco 49ers have given him another shot. They invited Sanders and a few other players in for a workout as they try to bring depth to their defense. Injuries have made the team look to around for available talent, and Sanders is one of those praying for a roster or practice squad spot.
The 49ers situation
The 49ers are one of the NFC’s top units right now, but as with any other contender, they are not immune to some ‘roster disruptions’. Adding six tryout players, including Sanders, is an indication that the team is in the mood to take some gambles on young guys and keep their depth chart available.
It is a do or die time for Sanders. A solid game could prompt San Francisco’s front office to go all in with him, or at the least put his name in the hat with other teams around the league. His mentality msut be strong.
Carrying a heavy legacy
It is true that holding a legendary name like the Sanders on his shoulders is no good for everyone. The last name comes with a heavy weight. As the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee and current Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion “Prime Time” Sanders, Shilo has learned to co-live with expectations and media attention.
This fresh opportunity is not so much about proving his real athletic ability, something that is already proven, it is about resilience. After experiencing a situation like his, many young players can vanish from team’s consideration and conversations. Instead, Shilo is battling through to write his own story in the NFL. It’s not over until he wins.
A tale of redemption for the fans. Nobody hates a comeback story, and Sanders’ determination proves he’s not going to let his dream disappear.
What could be next for him?
It is all up to San Francisco now if they want to sign him under contract. If not, the workout itself might attract attention from other franchises that are looking for some secondary depth. In the NFL, windows of opportunity do not often stick around, but publicity is precious, and Sanders has put himself in front of decision-makers once again.
With time, his journey is one to follow. Wherever it may be in San Francisco or elsewhere, Shilo Sanders is demonstrating that errors do not always have to mean the end of all things.
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