Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders was in attendance for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ first training camp practice on Wednesday. He was there, of course, to support his son, Shilo Sanders. As the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, Sanders is no stranger to football, but this visit marked a personal milestone as he watched his son, who signed as an undrafted free agent this spring, take the field as a safety for the Buccaneers.
The excitement in the air was palpable as Deion Sanders introduced himself to not just staff but players alike. Before the practice, he spoke with Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles on the field. Their friendly banter conveyed a friendship based on respect and understanding fostered by the game itself.
Sanders was visible in the stands during the closed practice, continuing to be active with the team’s front office. He talked with Duke Preston, the director of player engagement, fostering those crucial relationships. His impact was far larger than his family. Here’s how it most energized the whole team, especially defensive captain Lavonte David, whose reaction on the sidelines was contagious.
“You ain’t gotta tell me twice!” – Lavonte David
Deion Sanders has three sons actively involved in football: Shilo, who is now with the Buccaneers; Shedeur Sanders, recently selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft; and Troy Sanders, who is set to be a junior linebacker for the Michigan Wolverines. This family legacy in football has recently been the subject of discussion and debate amongst fans and players, even making its way to presidential debates.
Bowles has sons, including NFL safety Todd Bowles Jr., who are actively involved in football. Todd Jr., a junior defensive back for the Long Island University Sharks, and Troy are likewise walking in their father’s footsteps. The common struggle of raising these little athletes really brings this band of brothers together.
As practice progressed, Deion’s influence became evident. You could feel the excitement about his visit among players and coaches alike. Lavonte David even took to wearing Deion Sanders’ cleats during practice, a gesture that further highlighted the impact of Sanders’ legacy on current players.
In a moment of support, Deion offered reassurance to his son’s teammates by saying, “If you need anything, man, just let Shilo know.” He was a loving husband and he took his responsibilities as a parent very seriously. It was equally important to him to set the right tone for his crew.
Despite the excitement surrounding Sanders’ visit, Todd Bowles stayed humble as he doubted that “this is a change in a normal day for me.” His professionalism exemplified a focus on team objectives while embracing the excitement that comes from having a football legend on-site.
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