Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie safety Shilo Sanders saw his first action of the 2025 NFL preseason on Saturday night against the Tennessee Titans. Sanders, whose brother Shedeur Sanders of the Cleveland Browns has also been making headlines with his first start, offered some mixed thoughts on his debut.
Sanders made one highlight tackle and got penetration into the Titans’ backfield for a quarterback hit. Those were some of Shilo’s moments among the snaps he was on the field for in the Buccaneers’ contest.
What Did Shilo Sanders Think Of His NFL Debut?
Shilo answered some questions in the Buccaneers’ locker room after a 29-7 win over Tennessee. He was overall pleased with his efforts. Reporter Adam Slivon filmed Shilo’s feedback on his question.
“Just unleashing my abilities to the max,” Shilo said. “With that, you know, everything that God gave me. Speed, power, physicality, smartness to react to plays. I just have to keep improving, especially on special teams.”
Asked #Bucs S Shilo Sanders tonight about what he wants to showcase as the preseason continues.
“Just unleashing my abilities to the max. Everything God gave me — speed, power, physicality, smartness to react to plays — I just have to keep improving.” pic.twitter.com/BeM3k7asuc
— Adam Slivon (@AdamLivsOn) August 10, 2025
Shilo, whose father is Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, also seemed aware of the plays he didn’t make against the Titans. The Buccaneers signed him as an undrafted free agent, so he’s aware that any good plays he can make will help him potentially stick with the team.
“You know, I’m just thankful,” Shilo said, according to the Pewter Report. “Thank you, God, for putting me in a position to even be on the field. You know what I’m saying? So I’m just grateful.” Shilo was asked about the difference between performing at practice and on the field. A reporter stated that Shilo is a big hitter.
#Bucs S Shilo Sanders was “grateful” to be out there tonight, but he also “left some big hits on the table.” pic.twitter.com/AB7EKKtynG
— PewterReport 🏴☠️ (@PewterReport) August 10, 2025
“I constantly think about that at practice,” Shilo said. “Today, I feel like I left some big hits on the table.
“So, next game, there most likely will be improvement on my angles, on my tracking, because you don’t really get to work on it in an NFL practice, or you’re going to get kicked out of practice,” Shilo said. “Just seeing the game today, you know, first time seeing it today in a long time, got a lot to work on.”
What Type Of Numbers Did Shilo Put Up Against the Titans?
What were some statistics to back up Shilo’s thoughts and feelings about his game? According to Rookie Watch, Shilo had 37 total defensive snaps, third overall on the Buccaneers. Shilo also had 23 coverage snaps, one quarterback hit, and one total tackle.
This level of play will make Shilo noticeable to Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles when necessary roster cuts are made. While Shilo may not make the final 53-man roster, he may stick on the practice squad. His first game, though, will make others notice that he’s putting in the work.