Shilo Sanders isn’t your typical undrafted rookie free agent.
The former Colorado safety and son of NFL Hall of Famer and Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders has been in the spotlight throughout the NFL preseason after signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following the 2025 NFL Draft.
He has quickly become a fan favorite in Tampa, and Sanders recently shared why he believes the fanbase gravitates toward his story.
Shilo Sanders Opens Up on Fan Support and Being an Underdog
Sanders was a solid player throughout his college career. He started under his father at Colorado in 2023 and 2024, and while he made some great plays, it was clear he wasn’t considered a top-tier NFL talent.
Shilo Sanders’ HUGE hit forces the fumble 💪 pic.twitter.com/UaSXN4nl1q
— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) October 29, 2023
Despite going undrafted, he found a home with the Buccaneers and has been competing for a spot on the team’s final 53-man roster throughout training camp and the preseason.
While he may not be a superstar, Sanders has quickly become a fan favorite. ESPN’s Jenna Laine attended a Tampa Bay practice earlier in camp and was struck by the large crowd surrounding the undrafted free agent. Laine even noted that the turnout for Sanders was bigger than that for future Hall of Fame wide receiver and Buccaneers legend Mike Evans.
“Swarms of autograph seekers appear in larger packs for Sanders than even a franchise-record holder like wide receiver Mike Evans,” Laine wrote.
Laine later interviewed Sanders after practice, asking about the fan support and why he thinks people are so drawn to him. Sanders believes it’s because his story is one that fans can relate to.
“This is an underdog story,” Sanders told Laine. “Everyone’s seen how everything played out, and it is just relatable.”
Sanders isn’t wrong, as he has faced challenges throughout his football career trying to live up to the expectations that come with his last name. A three-star recruit out of high school, he initially committed to South Carolina. After seeing limited playing time with the Gamecocks, he transferred to Jackson State to play under his father.
He later moved to Colorado, and despite all the adversity and transitions throughout his college journey, he made it to the NFL. It’s an easy story for fans to root for.
While the young safety has a three-year contract with the Buccaneers, he is still likely to be a cut candidate as the team approaches the 53-man roster deadline on Aug. 26.
It’s a harsh reality for most undrafted free agents in the NFL. However, even if Sanders doesn’t make the final roster, it’s clear he has already made an impact on Buccaneers fans during his short time in Tampa.
