Shilo Sanders’ first shot at the NFL ended suddenly when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released him just one day after he was ejected in a preseason game. The 24-year-old defensive back, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, was tossed out of the Bucs vs. Bills game on Saturday, August 24, 2025, in Tampa, Florida, for throwing a punch. Hours later, the Buccaneers announced they had waived him, closing the door on his rookie season before it even began. His father stayed calm, but his mother, Pilar Sanders, spoke out sharply against the decision.
Deion Sanders’ ex-wife Pilar Sanders slams NFL officials after Shilo’s ejection
The turning point came late in the preseason finale between the Buccaneers and the Buffalo Bills. Tight end Zach Davidson of Buffalo locked onto Shilo Sanders and dragged him 15 yards downfield, with his hand inside Shilo’s helmet.
The referees let the play continue without a flag. At the end of the run, Sanders snapped, swung his fist, and hit Davidson’s helmet right in front of an official. That moment led to an immediate penalty and ejection.
Head coach Todd Bowles was clear after the game:
“You can’t throw punches in this league. It’s inexcusable. They’re gonna get you every time. You gotta grow from that.” By the very next afternoon, Tampa Bay made it official—they cut Sanders from the roster.
Shilo Sander’s mother, Pilar Sanders, did not hold back. On Sunday, August 25, she posted a TikTok video on Instagram questioning the league’s handling of the play. The video was labeled,
“Did Shilo deserve to get ejected for this?” and pointed out that referees ignored Davidson dragging Shilo for 15 yards but only punished Sanders after he defended himself.
IG/Pilar
Pilar Sanders argued that the officials failed to act until it was too late and then placed all the blame on her son. For her, this was not just about one penalty, it was about her son’s chance to play in his rookie year being cut short.
Deion Sanders and Shilo’s future after Buccaneers exit
Deion Sanders, head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, spoke more calmly after the incident. “I prepared my kids for any and everything that could possibly happen in life and in sports,” he said, adding, “Shilo’s a man of many talents, and he’s going to be straight. All of the Sanders are going to be straight, with or without football. You better believe that.”
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DJ Lagway signs NIL deal with Jordan Brand ahead of Florida Gators 2025 season opener Shilo Sanders, who signed with Tampa Bay after going undrafted in April 2025, had agreed to a three-year deal worth nearly $3 million. He had shown promise in training camp and spoke about being grateful to God for even getting on the field. His agents, Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey, are now working to see if another team will claim him off waivers.
As Deion Sanders put it,
“We’re praying that he gets another opportunity to go with a team. But if he doesn’t, the plans have already been put forward to what he’s going to do next.”Catch Lovlina Borgohain's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 5. Watch Here
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