
Shilo Sanders made a costly mistake in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills, and the consequences have only grown.
The rookie safety — son of NFL Hall of Famer and Colorado coach Deion Sanders — was ejected after throwing a punch at Bills tight end Zach Davidson. Already fighting for a roster spot, the incident drew criticism from head coach Todd Bowles and ultimately led to Sanders being cut.
On top of his release, the NFL handed down its own punishment. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Sanders was fined $4,669 for striking another player and being ejected. He has not been signed by another team since. Bowles called the action “inexcusable,” stressing that such behavior won’t be tolerated in the league.
Sanders, who joined Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent, admitted afterward that he may consider opportunities outside of football. “If that’s in the NFL, cool, but God has blessed me with talents beyond the game,” he said. Despite his release, he expressed gratitude to the Buccaneers organization and the city for their support.
Meanwhile, Davidson — the player involved in the altercation — also did not make the Bills’ final roster. Though he avoided a fine, replays showed he continued blocking after the whistle and appeared to grab Sanders’ facemask before the punch. Buffalo kept rookie Jackson Hawes as its third tight end, with Keleki Latu signed to the practice squad. Davidson remains unsigned.