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‘He Didn’t Want It’: Shilo Sanders Gets Brutally Honest on Giving His Dad Deion Sanders His Jersey

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Aug 12, 2025 11:29 AM ET

Shilo Sanders, rookie safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, recently revealed his father Deion Sanders’ reaction to a heartfelt gesture following his first NFL preseason game. Deion, a Hall of Famer and current head coach at the University of Colorado, declined Shilo’s offer of his game-worn jersey, setting a high bar for his son’s accomplishments.

During the preseason matchup against the Tennessee Titans, Shilo hoped to commemorate his NFL debut by gifting his jersey to his father. However, Deion, known for his demanding expectations, refused, suggesting that Shilo would need to deliver a performance worthy of his legacy. Shilo humorously admitted he would instead give the jersey to his mother.

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

Shilo’s preseason debut showed promise as he contributed a tackle and a quarterback hit, but he openly acknowledged areas for improvement. As an undrafted free agent, he faces the dual challenge of solidifying a roster spot while living up to the immense expectations tied to his family name. His reflections after the game emphasized a desire to refine his angles and tracking to maximize his impact in future games.

Deion’s rejection of the jersey underscores his focus on pushing Shilo to achieve more substantial milestones. For a father whose Hall of Fame career set a gold standard, this moment reflects his commitment to nurturing excellence, even if it requires tough love. This dynamic adds a compelling layer to Shilo’s journey as he strives to carve out his own path.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Star Shilo Sanders Gets Real on Giving Deion Sanders His Jersey

Jul 9, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; Colorado head coach Deion Sanders leaves the stage after speaking with the media during 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Just recently, Sanders shared his thoughts on giving the jersey he wore to his father. This can be seen in a video shared by the league’s official Instagram account.

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The interaction between father and son serves as a reminder of the unique pressures tied to legacy in professional sports. For Shilo, every game is an opportunity to prove himself not just as Deion Sanders’ son but as a player in his own right.

Nov 9, 2024; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Colorado Buffalos defensive safety Shilo Sanders (21) celebrates scoring a touchdown in the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

While Deion may not have accepted the jersey, the moment highlights the high stakes and personal growth tied to Shilo’s NFL aspirations. It’s a story of expectations, resilience, and the pursuit of greatness under the shadow of a legendary name.

Oct 19, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of the jersey of Colorado Buffalos safety Shilo Sanders (21) against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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