Tampa NFL Preseason Highlights Shiro Sanders’ Debut

TAMPA, Fla. — Shiro Sanders made a quick impact in his first NFL preseason game.

He charged up to the line, taking down Brandon Allen with surprising speed, tackling him to the ground just after he released the ball.

After his younger brother’s impressive start as the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback, Shiro recorded a clean hit during the Tennessee Titans’ 29-7 loss to the Buccaneers on Saturday night in Tampa Bay.

“It feels good,” Shiro shared about the hit. “I’m grateful just to be on the field. I feel like I still have some big hits left in me. The next game, I’ll work on my angles and tracking since I can’t participate in NFL practice for a while. But that’s all part of the process.”

Shiro joined the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent from Colorado, where he played alongside his brother under their Hall of Fame father, Deion Sanders. Now, he’s vying for a spot in a competitive defensive backfield.

Heading into the second half, he secured a safety by hitting the quarterback on the Buccaneers’ first series, wrapping up the game with one tackle and leaving a solid impression.

After the game, he called his father, showing off the jersey number 28 he wore, which he jokingly referred to as a birthday gift. Deion Sanders celebrated his 58th birthday on Saturday.

“He probably didn’t need that,” Shiro laughed. “I mean, he’s in the Hall of Fame and has way better stuff. But I think I’ll give it to my mom instead. I owe him a few of those memorabilia pieces, maybe three or so.”

Meanwhile, Shedeur Sanders, sliding into the fifth round of the draft, completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and tossed two touchdown passes, leading three scoring drives in the Carolina Panthers’ 30-10 victory. He played almost three quarters without turning the ball over.

The Sanders brothers, known as Coach Prime’s sons, have drawn considerable attention in training camp. However, neither player’s position on the roster is guaranteed. Shedeur competes against veterans like Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, alongside a third-round pick, Dillon Gabriel, who missed the preseason opener due to a hamstring injury.

Shiro is facing tough competition with JJ Roberts and Rashad, all while battling behind 2023 All-Pro Antowine Winfield Jr., along with starters Tykee Smith and backups Christian Izien and Kaevon Merriweather.

“He played tough,” remarked Bucks coach Todd Bowles. “I thought he stepped in and did the job well. He had some solid tackles and pressured the quarterback effectively, making good contributions while he was out there.”