Deion Sanders’ Prayer as Son Shilo Is Waived by Buccaneers

A challenging period for the Sanders family has intensified with the sudden end of Shilo Sanders’s tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The NFL team waived the rookie safety just one day after he was ejected from a preseason game for throwing a punch, a move that prompted his father, Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, to share a public prayer for his children’s well-being.

The decision by the Buccaneers front office marks a swift and disappointing conclusion to Shilo’s brief time with the franchise. He had joined the team as an undrafted free agent, aiming to carve out a professional career path distinct from his famous father’s legacy yet under the immense shadow of the Sanders name.

What Led to Shilo Sanders Being Waived by the Buccaneers?

The immediate catalyst for the waiver appears to be an on-field incident during the Buccaneers’ preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills. During the game, Shilo Sanders was involved in an altercation with Bills backup tight end Zach Davidson. The confrontation escalated when Sanders threw a punch, an action that led to his immediate ejection from the contest by the game officials. Such conduct violations are taken extremely seriously by NFL teams, especially for undrafted rookies fighting for a coveted roster spot. The organization’s decision to release him the following day sends a clear message about maintaining discipline and professionalism, even in the high-stakes, competitive environment of the preseason.

Deion Sanders’s Public Response to Family Adversity

In the wake of this professional setback for his son, Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders turned to social media. In a post that blended a sponsored message for Nike sneakers with a deeply personal sentiment, Coach Prime shared a heartfelt prayer. He wrote, “Thank u Lord for Sustaining me thru it all. Please cover my Kids and the multitudes that need & desire u Lord.” This public appeal for divine protection and strength highlights the personal toll such public struggles take on the family. The post arrived amid a difficult preseason for both his sons; while Shilo faced his ejection and waiver, his other son, Shedeur Sanders, the star quarterback at Colorado, had also endured a tough outing, taking five sacks in his own team’s preseason game.

A Tumultuous Preseason for the Sanders Brothers

Shilo’s journey with the Buccaneers was brief but not without its notable moments. After going undrafted, his signing by Tampa Bay was a story of opportunity. He even saw playing time in the team’s first preseason game, a milestone he celebrated by gifting his debut jersey to his mother, Pilar Sanders. He had noted that his father, a Hall of Famer, had declined the gift, jokingly suggesting he was expected to achieve much more. That initial promise made the sudden nature of his release all the more stark, closing this chapter of his football career almost as quickly as it began.

The waiver of Shilo Sanders is a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of professional sports, where opportunities are precious and mistakes can be costly. For Deion Sanders, the event transcends athletics, becoming a moment to publicly seek guidance and protection for his family as they navigate intense public scrutiny and professional challenges.

Must Know

Why was Shilo Sanders waived?
Shilo Sanders was waived by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following his ejection from a preseason game for throwing a punch at an opponent. NFL teams have strict conduct expectations, and this violation likely contributed to the decision to release him from the roster.

What did Deion Sanders say about his son being waived?
Deion Sanders did not comment directly on the waiver itself but shared a heartfelt prayer on social media, asking for protection for his children and others facing difficult times. The post was interpreted as a response to the professional adversity both Shilo and his brother Shedeur were experiencing.

Which team waived Shilo Sanders?
Shilo Sanders was waived by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He had joined the team as an undrafted free agent after concluding his college career.

What happens after an NFL player is waived?
After a player is waived, they enter the NFL waiver wire system. Other teams have a chance to claim the player and his existing contract. If no team places a claim within a designated period, the player becomes an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any club.

Did Shilo Sanders play in the NFL preseason?
Yes, Shilo Sanders did see playing time for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2025 NFL preseason before his release. He participated in the team’s first preseason game, a significant milestone for any rookie.