Shilo Sanders is trying to settle into his new life in Florida-and it’s clear the transition from Colorado to Tampa Bay isn’t just about geography. With his arrival at the Buccaneers, Shilo seems eager to recreate the buzz he once had in Boulder.
After the NFL Draft drama, some fans feel it’s time for Shilo to leave behind the flashy Sanders mentality and start embracing a more grounded approach. Tampa isn’t Colorado, and here, fans believe the climb to NFL success requires a nod to humility-because without the support of the crowd, even the biggest names can fade fast.
Star power doesn’t mean much when you haven’t earned your stripes
When a video surfaced of Shilo strolling through the streets of Tampa, reactions were quick-and not exactly glowing. Fans called him a carbon copy of his father, Prime Time himself. From his walk to his words, it screamed “star mode” rather than “rookie hustle.” And let’s not forget-Shilo’s not even on the active roster yet. He’s still fighting for a place, so fans are confused by the superstar swagger without the stats to back it up.
There’s also talk that the Bucs are showcasing Shilo not just for the content buzz, but to ease him into the team culture. It’s a smart marketing move-pull in Shilo’s fanbase while giving him a crash course in Tampa’s way of doing things. But while the social content might hit numbers, his off-screen demeanor needs a refresh. Flat, distant, and lacking the energy fans were hoping for, Shilo’s attitude is rubbing some people the wrong way.
A name gets you noticed-but not respected some say
A big part of the backlash is tied to the growing frustration around NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals. Some argue these early endorsement opportunities inflate egos and derail young athletes from their core mission-being great on the field and off it. For many, Shilo has become the poster child for what happens when fame comes before performance.
At the end of the day, Shilo has real competition in Tampa’s safety room. Veterans like Kaevon Merriweather and fellow undrafted rookie J.J. Roberts are no joke. He’ll have to grind to earn even a practice squad spot, let alone break into the 53-man roster. His talent is there-no one’s denying that-but talent alone won’t cut it. In a city like Tampa, fans respect hustle over hype.
And while he’s putting in work during training, the fanbase wants to feel that same commitment off the field. A little less star, a little more teammate-that’s the recipe they’re hoping he learns. Because if he gets that right, Tampa Bay might just embrace him the way Colorado once did. Until then, the message is clear: walk the walk before you talk the talk.
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