Shilo Sanders catching the attention of Bucs coaches at rookie minicamp

Shilo Sanders Making Strides with Buccaneers Rookie Minicamp

Shilo Sanders is a rookie at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ minicamp, stepping into the spotlight, although some might argue it’s more about his younger brother, Chedur. But honestly, as long as he keeps impressing his coach, that’s what really matters.

Having signed with the Buccaneers—a team that clearly needs help in the secondary as they gear up for the 2025 season—Shilo aims to secure a spot on the 53-man roster starting in week one.

Coach Todd Bowles had strong words about Shilo’s potential: “He’s very smart and loud, which is what you want in a safety. You can hear him on the field, which is a good sign.” He noticed how well Shilo grasped the fundamentals on day one of camp.

Oddly enough, Shilo also seems to be quite aware of how much a good impression can mean, especially when it comes to the media. After settling in, he shared his thoughts: “Just look at the coaching staff. Everyone here is really supportive, and we all want to succeed together. It’s a great atmosphere for growth.”

His new teammates have taken notice, too. Jacob Parish, a third-round pick, remarked, “He’s incredibly smart. He’s really helped me understand our adjustments. I’m looking forward to working alongside him.”

Interestingly, people often compare Shilo to his father, Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. However, at 25, he seems focused solely on proving himself and is grateful for the opportunity the Buccaneers have given him. “I’m thankful they took a chance on me, and I’m committed to doing whatever it takes to contribute to this team,” he said earnestly.

With Pro Bowl veteran Antoine Winfield Jr. leading the defense, Shilo’s place seems clear as a free safety. Still, building depth is crucial in a good secondary, and these players play vital roles on special teams as well.

In terms of performance, Shilo believes he can stand out by demonstrating his ability to create turnovers. “Throughout my career, I’ve always been someone who disrupts plays and acquires the ball—whether it’s forcing fumbles or picking passes. That’s really what defense is all about,” he reflected.