As the Sanders’ saga continues in the NFL, the brothers are quickly making their presence felt. All the teams that didn’t sign them or didn’t want to are seeing a turnaround story that only a few had ever expected. Shedeur Sanders is making bold Tom Brady claims and already showing his grit to follow through with the claims. And his older brother, Shilo Sanders, is also following suit, making an impact that is getting harder and harder to ignore. By the 31 other franchises, by the fans, by the analysts, and of course, by the Buccaneers’ front office.
In a recent interview, Shilo had said, “I’m built for Florida.” He had also added a note of hope with, “Hoping my Prime Time genetics kick in.” Shilo Sanders has a mission. To prove that he belongs on the Bucs’ active roster. And looking at his rookie minicamp strides, the “Prime Time” genes have clearly started to kick in, one play at a time.
As per a post on X by NFL Rookie Watch, Shilo Sanders is already proving himself to be an undeniable asset to the team. The post stated, “Shilo Sanders’ intelligence and vocal leadership reportedly ‘turned the head’ of Todd Bowles (Buccaneers HC) throughout rookie minicamp. Sanders’ footwork was also reportedly ‘maybe the most impressive’ of any rookie safety that participated in practice. Sanders has an advanced early grasp of NFL defenses, and that reportedly showed through his adjustments on the field throughout individual and team drills.” The post also features video clips of Shilo Sanders. He showcased amazing footwork and basically looked like a man with a chip on his shoulder.
Shilo Sanders’ intelligence and vocal leadership reportedly “turned the head” of Todd Bowles (Buccaneers HC) throughout rookie minicamp.
Sanders’ footwork was also reportedly “maybe the most impressive” of any rookie safety that participated in practice.
Sanders has an advanced… pic.twitter.com/sffymJiTHs
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) May 14, 2025
The post further added, “Several Buccaneers coaches reportedly believe Sanders has shown ‘promising signs’ that he can have a successful NFL career. The Buccaneers rookie safety is FINDING HIS STRIDE in Tampa Bay ” And why wouldn’t he? He’s got Deion Sanders backing him up, even though Shilo turned to a new agent to finally get picked by the Bucs. But that’s all in the past. He’s with the Bucs. He’s even wearing a number 28 on his back for the minicamps. He has already impressed the coaches, and with him shining with “promising signs,” he’s sure to land a spot on the active roster. He’s also taking his mom’s validation to heart and bringing in the heat in the minicamp.
Shilo Sanders is doubling down on mom’s demand for the Bucs
In a recent IG post by the Buccaneers, we saw a sneak peek of Shilo Sanders’ locker room tour. And excited is an understatement when we describe the expression on his face. He’s seen looking around the place, admiring his helmet and his locker room. Even Coach Prime caught a stray in the middle of it all, as Shilo admired his locker. “This is more clothes than I’ve gotten from any team that I’ve played on that’s coached by Coach Prime.” Shilo’s energy is infectious, and the team’s certainly feeling it too. Talking about his gloves, Shilo notably said, “These feel like interception gloves.” And even mom Pilar Sanders took notice when she dropped an affirmation in the comments, “Yes ‘Interception Gloves’ .”
Credits: Imago
And he’s serious. The way he’s gearing up in the rookie minicamp, he’s gunning for a spot on the team. And once he has it, he will try to break his no-interception record from last season. And Todd Bowles is feeling his drive, for sure. Bowles had noted on minicamp day 1, “Like the rest of the safeties, he’s very intelligent, he’s very loud. You can hear him making calls and everything, so he’s got a good grasp of things day one.” But Bowles isn’t exactly hyping him up, he’s also giving Shilo Sanders a reality check. “You have to make plays in pads. That’s what it comes down to. Knowing what to do and then doing it consistently and constantly getting better every day.” But is Shilo Sanders worried? Nah.
He’s making his presence felt. He even has a plan to be the “snack guy” in the meetings. Shilo is going to find out who likes what, and he’s going to pay for those snacks himself. Food is always a good plan, Shilo, well played. And that’s not all, as ESPN’s Jenna Laine noted, “New Bucs safety Shilo Sanders wanted to shake every media members’ hand before starting his first availability with us. Only player who has done that this week.” That’s another masterclass of a move by Sanders. Skills, energy, and charisma. Shilo Sanders has it all. And with all of this, his comeback story is hitting harder than ever.
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