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Deion Sanders Rejected Son's Gift After First NFL Preseason Game

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Aug 10, 2025 3:19 PM ET

That's some tough love.

When your dad is arguably the greatest athlete in the history of professional sports, the standard is a bit higher than just appearing in a preseason game.

After making his NFL debut this weekend with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Deion Sanders' son Shilo attempted to give his dad his first jersey but the Hall of Famer reportedly said he didn't want it.

"He doesn't want it," Shilo laughed. "He expects like 30 times more. He didn't want that jersey, I'm gonna give it to my mom though. ... I gotta get like three picks or something for him to want that."

Shilo Sanders joked that he’s not gifting his first NFL jersey to his dad on his birthday because “he doesn’t want it (laughs). You know he’s a Hall of Famer. He expects like 30 times more. I’m gonna give it to my mom though. … I gotta get like three picks for him to want it.” pic.twitter.com/k0jEB6fUGH
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) August 10, 2025

Fans reacted to Coach Prime turning down his third-born child on social media.

"Shedeur getting the pressure from the world….Shilo gets the pressure from home…gotta ball out playin pop's position on the field…can't have a sanders blowing coverages on the highlights…I'm rooting for this kid " a user said.

"I called my parents this morning and told them I now realize that I was the product of gentle parenting " ESPN's Jenna Laine cried. "This is COLD."

"I can't explain it but bro is so likable," a fan replied. "Hope he ends up being great."

"Gotta love Shilo! " Ramon Foster commented. "His middle child tendencies show up often tho ."

"it shouldn't be that hard to make your own father proud lmao. his dad sounds like a dick if this story is true," another person posted.

"I know he's laughing but he's being deadass serious " another user pointed out.

"I love the Sanders boys. They're well raised. I hope Shilo does great in Tampa!" another fan exclaimed.

"Shilo seems so cool & self aware but also still sure of himself. He might have a hard time makin the roster… but I still remember when Shedeur threw that pick & Shilo doubled back with a Pick 6 of his own that next possession. I believe in him."

Aug 9, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Shilo Sanders (28) takes the field for warmups before a preseason game against the Tennessee Titans at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Deion clearly expects a lot from his boys and that was evident after his other son Shedeur's impressive preseason performance as well.

The Browns QB went 14-of-23 for 138 yards and two touchdowns in Cleveland's exhibition win. But after the game the former Colorado star said: "Did I play up to par? No, I don't feel like I did. But overall, the main goal was to win, and that's honestly what we did."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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