Deion Sanders issues statement on Shilo Sanders decision with stark reality of NFL salary laid bare

Shilo Sanders is currently out of the NFL.

The announcement came just one day after he was ejected from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills for throwing a punch at his opponent, tight end Zach Davison.

Following the news breaking of the 25-year-old’s release from the Bucs as they finalised their 53-man roster for the 2025 season, his NFL legend father Deion Sanders has spoken out in support of his son.

“Oh, most definitely [I’ve talked to him],” Coach Prime said during a Colorado football press conference on Sunday. “He’s my son, I’m proud of my kids, all of them. And I prepared my kids for any and everything that could possibly happen in life and in sports.

“That’s part of fathering, that’s part of parenting, that’s part of having a relationship. So he is mentally where he needs to be, physically where he needs to be.

“We’re praying that he gets another opportunity to go with a team, but if he doesn’t, the plans have already been put forward to what he’s going to do next.”

Sanders went undrafted in the draft, but the former Buffaloes standout safety was picked up shortly afterward by the Buccaneers after a college career in which he amassed 170 tackles (123 solo), four tackles for loss and an interception that went for a touchdown.

But, if he can’t find his way back into the league, then his father isn’t too downtrodden on that.

“Shilo’s a man of many talents,” Deion added. “I don’t know if you guys know — he’s a man of many talents and he’s going to be straight.

“All the Sanders are going to be straight with or without football. You better believe that. You better believe that I take care of mine and I’ve always have, and y’all know what I mean. You better believe that.”

Shilo Sanders’ NFL dream is still alive

Although Sanders was released, there is still a possibility that he will wind up on the Bucs’ practice squad going into the regular season.

According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, Tampa Bay were impressed by Shilo’s work ethic and attitude, despite having grown up around a Hall of Fame legend.

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“We’re told that the Buccaneers enjoyed having Shilo in the building, viewing the son of Deion Sanders as a good kid, who was at all times respectful to everyone,” Florio wrote.

“Shilo was also immediately remorseful following the incident that disqualified him from the second quarter of the game against the Bills.”

“Sanders could, in theory, sign with the Bucs’ practice squad, after clearing waivers,” Florio added. “The bigger question is whether he’s good enough to compete and to play at the NFL level.”

Perhaps the biggest gut punch of being waived was the financial implications that it has for the safety.

But being on the practice squad also compensates players particularly well, especially when compared to the average 9-to-5 salary for Americans.

In a tweet posted to Deion Sanders Jr’s Instagram story, it highlighted that practice squad rookies earn approximately $13,000 per week, which equated to around $234,000 after a full 18-week season.

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However, Sanders is currently in the midst of a $12 million bankruptcy case, with him attempting to erase most of that debt after he was ordered to pay damages after an alleged assault on a former high school security guard when he was 15-years-old.

After signing with the Bucs for training camp, Sanders had not been coy in revealing his personal goals for the season, where he vowed to make the final 53-man roster, and from there, envisioned himself going on to receive All-Pro honors on special teams.

While phase one of that goal hasn’t materialized in the way that he had perhaps planned, he hasn’t given up his dream to play in the league, with there still being a slim chance that he does make it.

PFSN’s Scott DiBenedetto predicted that the Dallas Cowboys – who are currently up to their eyes in drama surrounding disgruntled pass rusher Micah Parsons – could yet be a possible landing spot for Sanders.

“Shilo would have his work cut out for him to make the game day roster, but don’t put it past Jerry Jones to reach for some nostalgia by adding Shilo,” DiBenedetto wrote.

Of course, his father Deion spent five seasons in Dallas, in which he recorded 14 interceptions, two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and 159 tackles (148 solo).

Now, thanks to his name, Sanders may have the opportunity to follow in Coach Prime’s footsteps and take to the field for America’s Team.

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