Shilo Sanders didn’t hear his name called during the NFL Draft, but he didn’t let that stop him. Now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the undrafted safety is putting in the work to prove every team that passed on him made a mistake. From the moment he arrived at rookie minicamp, Sanders has stood out, not just for his athleticism, but for his personality, discipline, and leadership.
He’s not just showing up early to practices, he’s studying film, learning from veteran teammates, and even embracing locker room duties with enthusiasm, proudly calling himself the team’s “lunch guy.” And when he made his first media appearance, he made a point to shake every reporter’s hand, something no other rookie did that week.
Winning over the team, one play at a time
Sanders‘ efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles was reportedly impressed with his vocal leadership and intelligence on the field. According to NFL Rookie Watch, Sanders‘ footwork has been described as “maybe the most impressive” among all rookie safeties. His ability to quickly grasp NFL-level defenses and make on-the-fly adjustments has coaches taking serious notice.
“He’s very intelligent, he’s very loud,” Bowles said. “You can hear him making calls… He’s got a good grasp of things.” Still, the coach emphasized the importance of consistency, saying, “You have to make plays in pads.”
A family legacy, and a mother’s affirmation
Shilo isn’t just playing for himself. He’s carrying the Sanders legacy with pride, something he’s made clear both on the field and on social media. In a recent Buccaneers post, Shilo shared his excitement about his new gear, joking that he’s gotten more clothes from Tampa than from any team coached by his dad, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders.
Even his mother, Pilar Sanders, chimed in when Shilo dubbed his new gloves “interception gloves.” Her response? A proud and playful, “Yes ‘Interception Gloves’ .”
A comeback in the making
Determined, motivated, and already making noise, Shilo Sanders is writing his own NFL story. Whether he lands on the 53-man roster or starts on the practice squad, one thing’s clear: he’s not just here to participate, he’s here to prove he belongs.
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