The Colorado Buffaloes alumnus Shilo Sanders had high hopes this preseason. This was his chance to step out of his famous father’s shadow and make his own name. However, it all changed with a minor on-field mishap. And on top of that, the NFL has imposed a fine on the 25-year-old.
Shilo Sanders Fined $4,669 by the NFL
In the Bucs’ preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills, frustration boiled over for Sanders. During a heated on-field confrontation, he threw a punch at tight end Zach Davidson. Officials ejected him immediately, and less than 24 hours later, Tampa Bay released him. Additionally, the NFL imposed a $4,669 fine on Sanders for the incident.
For a young player already battling uphill, the setback hit hard. At 25, Sanders is older than most NFL rookies and has had to fight for every opportunity.
The NFL fined former #Bucs S Shilo Sanders $4,669 for unnecessary roughness — punching #Bills TE Zach Davidson after a play in last week’s preseason finale.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 30, 2025
Sanders was ejected and Tampa Bay released him the next day. Now, a fine on top of it.pic.twitter.com/5jWLuUPI2q
Off the field, Sanders’ accomplishments are impressive. Earlier this year, he earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership from the University of Colorado. His academic success shows he has prepared for life beyond football, whether or not the NFL chapter unfolds as planned.
Shilo Sanders on What’s Next
Recently, using his personal YouTube channel, Sanders discussed what he envisions for his future.
“I’ve been talking to my agent and we’re waiting on the next opportunity,” said Sanders.
“If that’s in the NFL, cool, but God has blessed me with a lot of talents to do other things other than play football, you know, and I feel like in every athlete’s life it becomes a point to where the game ends for you. And I’m not saying that’s what it is now. I’m just saying mentally I’m good because I know that I got a lot of talents and I’ve been blessed,” Sanders continued.
