Buffs Beat

Shilo Sanders' Hype Grows Ahead Of Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Training Camp

Ahead of his first NFL training camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, former Colorado Buffaloes safety Shilo Sanders posted a workout video on social media. After signing as an undrafted free agent, Sanders has made a strong first impression in Tampa Bay.
Jack Carlough|
Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffalos safety Shilo Sanders (21) breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffalos safety Shilo Sanders (21) breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Colorado BuffaloesTampa Bay Buccaneers

He'll still have to earn his keep during training camp later this summer, but Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie safety Shilo Sanders seems to be doing all the necessary offseason work.

The former Colorado Buffaloes starter recently posted a workout video of himself in his Bucs jersey and helmet completing a series of defensive back drills, showing off his improved speed along the way. Sanders, the middle son of Colorado coach Deion Sanders, signed with the Buccaneers in April as an undrafted free agent.

Shilo's first NFL summer has so far included rookie minicamp, OTAs and mandatory minicamp. Tampa Bay will open its preseason training camp on July 24, with Shilo Sanders and other rookies required to report three days prior.

Shilo Sanders' Hype Grows Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Training Camp NFL Rookie Workout Video Colorado Buffaloes Safety
Jan 30, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; West defensive back Shilo Sanders of Colorado (21) drops into cover against the East during the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

During his second and final season with the Buffs last year, Sanders started in 10 games while recording 67 total tackles, two TFLs, two pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and a sack. He performed well in the East-West Shrine Bowl and Colorado's pro day but settled for a free agent contract after going undrafted.

Sanders has so far received plenty of praise from his Tampa Bay teammates and coaches, including head coach Todd Bowles.

“I think he’s a good football player," Bowles said on SiriusXM NFL Radio earlier this summer. "He’s a heck of a tackler, and he knows the game very well; he can see the game very well. Giving him a chance to play, we think he has a shot to help us from a safety standpoint and from a special teams standpoint. I saw him tackle all year. I saw him make plays. He’s a very smart player and he understands the game very well. So we thought it was worth a shot to see what he can do. And I think he’ll show himself well.”

Sanders, the older brother of Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback and fellow former Buff Shedeur Sanders, isn't taking his first NFL opportunity for granted.

“Man, look at where we’re at,” Shilo Sanders said in his first media availability with Tampa Bay. “Look at the whole coaching staff. It’s a really supportive coaching staff. Everybody wants to see everybody do good. Everybody on the team, we all want to see each other win. It’s a great environment to thrive in."

Tampa Bay finished 10-7 last season while reaching the playoffs for the fifth straight year, including three under Bowles. Shilo and the Bucs will open their three-game preseason slate against the Tennessee Titans on Aug. 9.

MORE: Cleveland Browns Trade Shedeur Sanders? Potential Team Identified

MORE: Deion Sanders Opens Up On Health Update: Sends Message To Colorado Buffaloes Fans

MORE: Shedeur Sanders Is Surprising Cleveland Browns Teammates Amid Quarterback Competition

Shilo Sanders' Hype Grows Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Training Camp NFL Rookie Workout Video Colorado Buffaloes Safety
Nov 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) and safety Shilo Sanders (21) pose for a photo before the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Other former Buffs breaking into the NFL this summer include wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter (Jacksonville Jaguars), wide receivers Jimmy Horn Jr. (Carolina Panthers) and LaJohntay Wester (Baltimore Ravens), defensive end BJ Green II (Jaguars) and safety Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig (Jaguars). Wide receiver Will Sheppard is also looking for a new NFL home after failing his physical with the Buccaneers.

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Jack Carlough
JACK CARLOUGH

Jack Carlough is lead reporter for Colorado Buffaloes on SI. Jack graduated from the University of Colorado with a bachelor's degree in journalism and minors in business and sports media. Born and raised in the Boulder area, Jack began covering Colorado athletics in 2018 and was the head sports editor of the CU Independent during his college career. More recently, he spent over three years as the managing editor of the USA Today Sports Network's Colorado Buffaloes Wire, where he covered Colorado's hiring of head football coach Deion Sanders. Other publications Jack has written for include the Boulder Daily Camera, Left Hand Valley Courier and SB Nation’s Ralphie Report. In 2022, the Colorado Press Association awarded Jack second place in its annual Class 5 Best Sports Column Writing category.

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