From observing his brother’s dramatic draft day to navigating his own path as an undrafted free agent, Shilo Sanders has experienced quite a whirlwind recently. Amid the uncertainty, he has finally signed a UDFA contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, showcasing his resilience and determination.
Having previously played for Colorado, Shilo remains optimistic—a sentiment prominently featured in his latest vlog entry, *I’m Officially Leaving Colorado… TAMPA Here I Come!* In this lively video, he takes a final walk through his former team’s facilities, reminiscing before embarking on a journey to a new city brimming with potential and sunshine.
It wouldn’t be a classic Shilo Sanders moment without a touch of humor. In a playful exchange, he joked with a teammate about being the “best Australian football player alive,” teasingly asking, “Am I the best black guy you know?” His teammate responded, “Nah, I think Coach Prime’s got that… You’re second.” With a legacy linked to his father, the Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, Shilo appeared content with that ranking, adding, “I’ve got to be second-best, though.”
Despite this, he aspires to forge his own identity in the NFL, particularly focusing on special teams. He made several attempts to emulate his father’s signature moves while catching balls from the jug machine. Winking at the camera, he confidently stated, “I’m Prime Time’s son, baby.” While he may not replicate his father’s impressive career stats—212 career punt returns and six punt-return touchdowns, placing him ninth in NFL history—Shilo draws motivation from that legacy.
As he embarks on this new chapter, Shilo is actively seeking advice. Recently, he connected with Zach Triner, a former Buccaneers long snapper, to glean insights. In addition to asking about must-try eateries and popular local spots, Shilo expressed a desire to understand the team culture better. Triner reassured him, saying, “Jason [Licht] and those guys just do a good job at bringing in good people. You won’t have any jerks to deal with. It’ll be fun; you’ll like it.” Hearing this encouragement from someone who started as an undrafted free agent himself must provide Shilo with added motivation.
With his bags packed and ready for the airport, Shilo is excited to embrace the challenges ahead. While he might not dominate as a defender in his first year, the emphasis is on leaving a strong impression during summer workouts. Both Shilo and his brother share a compelling drive to demonstrate their worth in the NFL, pushing themselves to perform at their best each day. This journey transcends mere talent; it encompasses heart, perseverance, and the bravery to pursue dreams, no matter the hurdles that await.
Image Source: Shilo Sanders @ Instagram
