Deion Sanders has dreamed for years that his sons would follow in his footsteps in the National Football League, carving out their careers in pro football at the highest level. While it’s still early in NFL training camp, there now appears to be a real chance of those dreams becoming a reality.
Speaking to reporters this week, Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles praised defensive back Shedeur Sanders and said the undrafted rookie free agent has a chance to make the 53-man roster.
“He’s coming along. He’s getting the scheme down. He’s made plays like everybody else back there. There are a few tests that come up during the preseason — Tuesday night was one, and the other three preseason games and practices will be others. He’s got a chance to make it.”
Tampa Bay Buccaneers HC Todd Bowles on Shilo Sanders (via Pro Football Talk)
Related: Deion Sanders Eyeing 2 NFL Icons for Colorado Coaching Staff
Shilo, age 25, signed with the Buccaneers after not hearing his name called during the 2025 NFL Draft. The 6-foot safety faced long odds of making the roster after a college career that saw him bounce around between South Carolina (2019–2022), Jackson State (2021–2022), and then Colorado (2023–2024).
- Shilo Sanders college stats (ESPN): 123 solo tackles, 40 tackles for loss, 6 pass deflections, 5 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 1 sack, 1 interception in 34 career games played
Rated as a three-star recruit coming out of high school by 247 Sports, he appeared in games at all three college programs. This past season, as a graduate senior, he started 10 games and recorded the third-most tackles on the team. He also scored the first touchdown of his career by returning a fumble.
Related: Highest-paid college football coaches 2025, including Deion Sanders
Buccaneers training camp and the preseason games are providing Sanders with an excellent opportunity to prove he deserves a spot on the 53-man roster. Given the team’s depth in the secondary, demonstrating that he can play special teams effectively could be integral to making the roster.
Since he has drawn praise from Bowles and is at least in the mix for a spot on the Buccaneers roster in 2025, Shilo would also be a strong candidate for the practice squad this season.
