Shilo Sanders hasn't walked into the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie minicamp acting like he is entitled to anything. He has walked in with humility, with focus, and did one of the classiest moves you’ll see from any rookie in the NFL this year.
Before taking the podium, he shook hands with every reporter in the room.
In an era where players often brush past the media, Shilo went old-school with it. Manners. Respect. A handshake for everyone. He hasn't even taken a snap yet in Tampa Bay, but he already looks like a professional.
That’s a reflection of more than just media training. That’s character.
"Look at where we’re at!"
Shilo’s energy was on full display in that first presser. “Man, look at where we’re at,” he said with a smile. “Everybody wants to see everybody do good... it’s a great environment to thrive in.”
After going undrafted, Shilo signed a three-year deal worth nearly $3 million with the Bucs. Some see it as a long shot, but those of us who watched him anchor CU’s secondary the last two seasons knew this wasn’t just a feel-good signing—it's actually a smart one.
He’s a hard hitter. A vocal leader. And he knows how to command a defense. And he's one of our favorite personalities ever. If Tampa doesn't work out, he has a future in acting.
Todd Bowles is already paying attention
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles, who is a defensive-minded guy with a Super Bowl ring, didn’t take long to call Shilo out by name.
“He’s very intelligent, he’s very loud,” Bowles said. “You can hear him making calls... he’s got a good grasp of things day one.”
That’s the kind of praise you don’t just hand out to any undrafted rookie.
Now, Bowles also reminded everyone it’s about making plays in pads. “Knowing what to do and then doing it consistently,” he said. That’s the next step. But if anyone’s built for the long grind of NFL camp—it’s Shilo.
Just like Shedeur, he’s been in the spotlight his whole life
Let’s not forget what kind of pressure Shilo has been under. He’s not just Deion’s son. He’s Shedeur’s brother. And for the last few years, he’s played for the most talked-about college football program in America.
But through all the noise—Shilo has stayed himself. Funny. Confident. Physical. Composed. He’s shown leadership in every locker room he’s been in—from South Carolina to Jackson State to Boulder. And now he’s doing it again in Tampa.
Even when he joked about not having a code to get into the building—"I need somebody to let me in!"—he still sounded like a pro.
At Colorado, Shilo racked up 137 total tackles, five passes defended, five forced fumbles, and an interception in just two seasons. He wasn’t just a role player. He was a tone-setter. He showed up in big moments and never shied away from contact. That pick-six against Colorado State is an all-time favorite.
He is set to wear No. 28 now in Tampa, and while he’s still got work to do to make that roster, anyone who watched him the past couple years knows—Shilo Sanders is going to fight for it.
He’s not just riding the Sanders name. He’s definitely earning it.
We love to see it.
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