Shilo Sanders, a safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was ejected from a preseason game after punching Buffalo Bills tight end Zach Davidson, an incident that contributed to his subsequent release from the team. This altercation occurred during a critical moment in the game and was met with strong criticism from coaching staff.
Shilo Sanders, an undrafted rookie safety attempting to secure a spot on the Buccaneers’ roster, was involved in an on-field altercation with Zach Davidson, a tight end for the Buffalo Bills. Sanders, the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, was competing for a position in the NFL after not being selected in the 2025 draft.
The incident involved Sanders throwing a punch at Davidson during gameplay, which was immediately flagged by officials. The punch was unprovoked or stemmed from game tensions, though specific triggers were not detailed in reports. This action violated league rules against unsportsmanlike conduct.
The ejection occurred in the second quarter of the preseason finale between the Buccaneers and Bills, which took place on August 23 or 24, 2025. The game was held at an NFL stadium, likely in Tampa or Buffalo, as part of the league’s preseason schedule.
Following the ejection, the Buccaneers went on to lose the game 23-19 to the Bills. Coach Todd Bowles publicly condemned Sanders’ behavior, calling it ‘inexcusable’ and emphasizing the importance of discipline. The incident highlighted issues of player conduct and its impact on team performance.
As a result of this event and likely other factors, the Buccaneers waived Sanders ahead of the roster deadline on August 25, 2025. This move ends his brief tenure with the team and makes him a free agent, uncertain for the upcoming season.
The impact of this ejection extends beyond the game, affecting Sanders’ NFL career prospects. It may influence how teams view his temperament and reliability, potentially limiting his opportunities. For the Buccaneers, it underscores the challenges of managing player behavior during competitive moments.
Looking ahead, Sanders may seek to join another team’s practice squad or secure a free-agent deal, but his options are now more limited. This incident serves as a cautionary tale for young players about the consequences of on-field actions.