Shilo Sanders Turns Heads With Hilarious Search Under Deion Sanders' Christmas Tree

Colorado Buffaloes fans got a holiday treat as former CU star Shilo Sanders went viral on Christmas Day, posting a video of himself searching for presents under Deion Sanders’ tree—and delivering the same humor and personality he became known for in Boulder.
Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffalos safety Shilo Sanders (21) against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffalos safety Shilo Sanders (21) against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Christmas may be over, but the Sanders family content is still unwrapping itself across social media. On Thursday, a lighthearted clip of former Colorado Buffaloes standout Shilo Sanders rummaging underneath Deion Sanders' Christmas tree went viral after he realized there were gifts for everyone… except him.

The moment instantly resonated with fans. It was playful, funny, and perfectly on brand for Sanders, who’s built a strong social media personality since his college football days in Boulder.

For Colorado fans, it was a reminder that even though Shilo is no longer on the gridiron, his signature charisma—the same spark that energized CU’s locker room and lit up behind-the-scenes videos—hasn’t faded one bit.

A Viral Moment Straight Out of the Sanders Playbook

Aug 1, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Shilo Sanders (28) warms up before training camp at AdventHealth Tra
Aug 1, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Shilo Sanders (28) warms up before training camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The clip shows Shilo crouching in the dark beside his dad’s Christmas tree, inspecting each label with growing confusion.

“If my name's not on none of this, bro. I'm going home,” he said, sorting through the pile as if a missing package might magically appear. As he realized every present had someone else’s name on it, he turned to the camera, hands open, "I don't think I have anything."

The Sanders family is no stranger to holiday laughs, though. A few Christmases ago, "Coach Prime" and his son, Deion Sanders Jr., accidentally set part of the yard on fire while testing a gun. They rushed back to the pond with a bucket to put out the blaze just before things got out of hand. It’s the kind of unintentional comedy that’s become a family tradition—and one that fans have almost come to expect.

This new moment falls perfectly in line with that history of Sanders' Christmas antics. Only this time, Shilo was the one getting burned.

Shilo’s Social Media Rise and Why It Worked So Well at Colorado

Sep 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Colorado Buffaloes safety Shilo Sanders (21) talks with an official before the game agai
Sep 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Colorado Buffaloes safety Shilo Sanders (21) talks with an official before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Shilo’s personality has always matched his production on the stat sheet, and that’s exactly why his time with the Buffaloes resonated. He brought swagger, humor, leadership, and a sense of joy that often defined Colorado’s locker-room culture under “Coach Prime.”

Now his content has become a daily scroll-stopper for Buffs fans. Whether he’s joking with fans, impersonating his dad or his brother Shedeur, or simply narrating everyday life, Shilo’s digital presence continues to humanize a family that’s captivated the nation.

Even now, as he adjusts to life outside of football, his ability to stay connected through authentic humor has made him one of the most recognizable personalities to come out of CU in years.

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A Colorado Connection That Still Runs Deep

Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffalos safety Shilo Sanders (21) signs autographs during the fourth quarter ag
Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Colorado Buffalos safety Shilo Sanders (21) signs autographs during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

What makes these moments resonate so strongly with fans in Boulder is the bond between Shilo and his father—one Buffs fans got to watch up close for two seasons. Their dynamic relationship became part of the heartbeat of Colorado football. "Coach Prime’s" tough love, Shilo’s playful confidence, and their constant back-and-forth created some of the program’s most memorable behind-the-scenes moments.

Even now, that chemistry feels familiar. It’s part of why Buffs fans still follow every clip, every joke, and every Sanders family moment.

As Shilo dug through presents under the Christmas tree, Buff Nation got more than a funny clip. It was another chance for fans to peek inside the Sanders family dynamic that once energized the entire Colorado program.

Now, as Colorado enters 2026 with a rebuilt roster and staff, the program still benefits from the visibility, culture, and personality that the Sanders family continues to publish.


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Ben Armendariz
BEN ARMENDARIZ

Ben Armendariz is a reporter for Colorado Buffaloes on SI, part of the Sports Illustrated Network. While earning his bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a minor in Sports Media from the University of Colorado, he contributed to Buffs coverage through CUBuffs.com and Sko Buff Sports. He’s also covered professional combat sports as a contributor for FloCombat. A lifelong sports fan, Ben is now pursuing a master’s degree in Sports Management at Texas A&M University, with plans to build a long-term career in sports media. His passion for storytelling, in-depth analysis, and unique perspectives on sports marketing and sponsorships set his work apart. Outside of reporting and school, he enjoys attending Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets games and running his online vintage retail business.