The Sanders Brothers, Shilo and Shedeur’s expectations are always sky high because of their dad, Deion. But neither of the brothers exactly lived up to the hype of this recent game. Shilo got ejected for throwing a punch at tight end Zach Davidson, while Shedeur was considered a bad player after his week 3 preseason performance.
On August 23rd, 2025 during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, safety Shilo Sanders was ejected for throwing a punch at tight end Zach Davidson after he was blocking him while Bucs linebacker John Bullock tried to mediate the situation, it got worse as Sanders walked off the field with head coach Todd Bowles looking at him. The next day, the Buccaneers waived Sanders and said that the behavior was “inexcusable” and made sure that behavior like that is not allowed in the NFL. The team’s decision to part ways with Sanders so close to the regular season showed how seriously they viewed this fight.
While Shilo Sanders had been trying to make an impact in the secondary and on special teams, the ejection and resulting release have now put his NFL future in a huge dilemma. The issue and its consequences have raised questions about his maturity, self-control, and whether he can keep a professional standard of conduct in high -pressure situations for the future.
“I do think the refs made the right decision PENALTY wise but not ejection wise. You see, veterans like Travis Kelce and more get into fights but they don’t get ejected. I think people saw Shilo as a leader and an inspiration looking at fall camp practices so seeing him fall apart on the field effected the moral.” Jaden Quenga, a sophomore said.
After Shilo Sanders’ outburst, his younger brother Shedeur Sanders did not do too much to shift this in a positive direction. During week three of the NFL preseason, Shedeur struggled not connecting on routine throws, and often missing reads. Despite the hype about the Sanders brothers being in the league, Shedeur has yet to prove that he can handle speed, complexity, and being under pressure.
During the draft process of Shedeur Sanders, he drew attention not only for his potential, but also for his outspoken personality. In February, during a trash talk exchange Sanders accused Cameron Ward (Quarterback for the Tennessee Titians), of quitting on his team and not doing what is necessary to win, also showing that Wards way of playing is more of an “old school” approach. While Cameron Ward was taken as the first overall pick, solidifying his status as the top quarterback, Shedeur was not selected until the fifth round, going 144th overall. Highlighting the difference between these players.
“Some of the criticism feels too harsh because it’s only preseason and he is still adjusting to the NFL” Yamiel Bermudez a sophomore said.
As a Hall of Famer and one of the most recognizable people in football history, Deion Sanders has had a powerful impact on his son’s path to be in the NFL. A cornerback who played for legendary NFL teams including the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, and Baltimore Ravens, also was Shedeur’s head coach during his time playing at the University of Colorado. Many believe Deion played a key role in opening doors for both Shilo and Shedeur during the draft process.
The Sanders brothers went in the NFL with huge expectations for fulfilling their father’s legacy after contemporary issues with Shilo’s ejection and being cut loose by the Buccaneers and Shedeur’s inconsistent preseason play added to a humiliating draft process.
Both brothers still have much ground to make up. Shilo and Shedeur Sanders now must prove to themselves that they can succeed on their own, and not because of their father’s legendary name.