Introduction
Rookie safety Shilo Sanders, son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, made headline news on August 23, 2025, during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ preseason finale when he was ejected after delivering a punch in frustration amid a physical confrontation. The incident not only raised questions about his jersey number (28) and temperament, but also brought into focus the weight of expectations from being the son of a legendary father. Here’s an in-depth look at what transpired, why it matters, and what lies ahead for Shilo.
1. The Incident: What Actually Happened?
During a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, Shilo Sanders was battling for a spot on an NFL roster after going undrafted in 2025. In the second quarter, a scuffle unfolded when Bills tight end Zach Davidson made contact with Sanders’ facemask. In retaliation, Sanders threw a punch—leading to his immediate ejection from the game.
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles publicly deemed Sanders’ action “inexcusable”, emphasizing that such conduct is not acceptable in the NFL. The penalty not only removed Sanders from the game, but also placed Buffalo in prime scoring position, resulting in a touchdown and shifting the score to a 14-3 advantage.
Shilo, a safety wearing number 28, signed with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent after an impactful college career spanning South Carolina, Jackson State, and Colorado.
2. Context: His College Legacy & Background
Shilo Sanders is more than a preseason punch. Born in February 2000, he’s the eldest son of Deion Sanders. He played college football at three institutions:
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South Carolina (2019–2020)
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Transferred to Jackson State (2021–2022), where he earned second-team All-SWAC honors in 2021
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Moved to Colorado (2023–2024) under his father’s coaching
Over his college career, he’s tallied significant stats—including tackles, interceptions, and forced fumbles—demonstrating athleticism and playmaking ability.
3. Jersey Number: Symbolism or Just a Digits?
While the title includes “Number,” in this case, Shilo wears number 28 for the Buccaneers. Although not deeply symbolic, the spotlight on his number adds to the narrative, highlighting his presence on the field and underscoring the lineage he carries as part of a storied family legacy.
4. Fallout: What This Means for His NFL Prospects
Shilo is no stranger to high-stakes pressure—chasing a roster spot while carrying the weight of his family name. His ejection couldn’t have come at a worse time. As AP noted, the punch could hamper his chances, especially given the limited preseason opportunities to impress coaches. Analysts see a practice squad spot as a more realistic outcome now.
Contrasting this with his college days adds context: In 2023, while at Colorado, he was ejected for a targeting penalty—a legal and contentious hit on a UCLA player. That earlier ejection drew strong reactions from fans and critics, with many defending the play as clean and highlighting inconsistencies in officiating.
5. A Pattern? On-Field Emotions Under Scrutiny
Across stages of his career, Shilo’s aggressive style has led to confrontations:
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2023: Ejected from Colorado vs. UCLA after a forceful hit ruled as targeting, sparking debate.
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2025: Preseason punch that got him ejected again.
While physicality defines a safety’s game, managing emotions and maintaining composure are key in professional leagues.
6. The “Dad Factor”: Expectations & Pressure
Being Deion Sanders’ son brings both support and scrutiny. Nicknamed Coach Prime, Deion’s presence everywhere Shilo played—from Jackson State to Colorado—amplified attention and expectations. While Deion has been publicly supportive of Shilo’s approach, he’s also had to address these incidents head-on.
7. Looking Ahead: Accountability & Development
Moving forward, here’s what Shilo—and the Bucs—will likely focus on:
| Key Factor | How It Matters |
|---|---|
| Discipline | Avoiding penalties and emotional lapses will be critical to career longevity |
| Talent Showcase | His playmaking in college shows promise—he needs to harness that in practice |
| Coaching Trust | Proving coachability and maturity will be essential for any roster spot |
If he can channel the fire responsibly, he still has a pathway. But another misstep could close that door.
FAQs
Q1: Why was Shilo Sanders ejected from that preseason game?
He punched Bills TE Zach Davidson after a dispute involving mask contact, leading to an ejection for unnecessary roughness.
Q2: What number does he wear?
He wears no. 28 for the Buccaneers.
Q3: Is this his first ejection ever?
No—he also was ejected in college at Colorado for a targeting penalty during a game against UCLA in 2023.
Q4: Who is his father?
His father is Deion Sanders, Hall of Famer and coach at Jackson State and Colorado.
Q5: Could this ejection impact his NFL future?
Yes. As an undrafted rookie trying to earn a roster spot, such conduct may hurt his chances, with a practice squad role now more likely.
Conclusion
Shilo Sanders: Ejected | Punch | Number | Ejection | Dad encapsulates a high-stakes moment—not just for the son of a legend, but for a player at a crossroads in his professional journey. This incident, layered with expectations and emotion, underscores a broader narrative: raw talent combined with discipline can forge a lasting career, but letting heat and heritage dictate actions can derail it fast.
