"So proud": Deion Sanders pens heartfelt message for son Shilo Sanders following massive praise from Bucs HC Todd Bowles

Shilo Sanders spent the majority of his collegiate career playing for his father, Deion Sanders. While Shilo contributed immensely to the Jackson State Tigers and the Colorado Buffaloes, he went undrafted in the 2025 NFL draft.

However, he was eventually picked up by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent. Following rookie minicamp and OTAs, Shilo has impressed the Bucs enough to earn praise from the team's head coach, Todd Bowles.

Deion caught wind of the praise and posted an image of Bowles' words and his son on Instagram on Saturday.

"So Proud of u son," Deion captioned the post. "@shilosanders So Proud! #Dad & #CoachPrime"

Speaking about Shilo, Bowles said,

"His performance in OTAs have been more than just effort. He's smart, vocal and understands the game. He has been doing a great job from day one."

These are great words from the defensively oriented coach about the UDFA safety. So, Shilo will likely be even more motivated to prove his worth in minicamp, training camp and preseason to secure a spot on the active roster.

What's next for Deion and Shilo Sanders?

Deion Sanders will look to ensure the Colorado Buffaloes stay competitive in the absence of some of his most trustworthy lieutenants. The Buffaloes enter the 2025 campaign without Shilo Sanders, Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter, Jimmy Horn Jr. and LaJohntay Wester. These players are set to feature in and around the NFL in 2025.

So, Coach Prime will look to get the most out of his priority transfer portal additions and a crop of talented freshmen in 2025. The program finished 9-4 last season, so a 10-win campaign will be viewed as an improvement.

Shilo Sanders has earned plaudits for his efforts in OTAs, but the work has begun. The Buffaloes product must prove that he's just as good as the other safeties to secure an active roster spot.

Thankfully, his father is one of the greatest defensive backs in NFL history. So, Shilo will have top-notch tips to improve if he's ever stuck in his professional football journey.