It’s a fresh start and a chance to make his mark for Shilo Sanders. Well, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were determined not to repeat last season’s struggles with their pass defense under Todd Bowles. However, their game plan? Strengthen the secondary. In the draft, they made a big move, selecting Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. But they didn’t stop there— they also signed Shilo Sanders, the underrated safety from CU, as an undrafted free agent. The son of Coach Prime, Shilo, played a key role in CU’s rise to prominence. Although it was always a long shot for him to get drafted, he’s excited for the chance to pick his new home with the Bucs. However, why Tampa Bay?

The Buccaneers already boast an All-Pro safety in Antoine Winfield Jr., so immediate playing time isn’t guaranteed for Shilo Sanders. But to Shilo, it’s not about the timeline—it’s about the opportunity. “They gave me a chance before anyone so I’m forever grateful to the Buccaneers, and I’m just gonna do everything in my power to help this team win,” said Shilo. Adding, “That’s all I want.” So, for Shilo, it’s all about making an impact, and he’s ready to prove his worth.

Now, as the 2025 NFL Draft unfolded, the Colorado Buffaloes made a powerful statement, with their rising stars securing spots in the pros. On May 13, CU Buffs football took to Instagram to honor their drafted players with a post celebrating their fresh starts and new numbers. The caption read, “Fresh fits, fresh numbers. Colorado’s 2025 NFL Draft Picks #ProBuffs 🦬.”

The post showcased Travis Hunter’s No. 2 overall selection by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Shedeur Sanders being picked by the Cleveland Browns at No. 144 in the fifth round, LaJohntay Wester joining the Baltimore Ravens at No. 203 in the sixth round, and Jimmy Horn Jr. being drafted by the Carolina Panthers at No. 208 in the sixth round. It was a day of pride for the Buffs as their talent was recognized on the biggest stage.

But despite Shilo Sanders’ crucial role in Colorado’s defensive success, he was left out of the NFL Draft appreciation post. This snub is a tough pill to swallow for a safety who brought leadership and big plays to the Buffaloes. On top of that, his efforts helped elevate Colorado’s defense during their standout 2023 season. Now, the Colorado Army is sounding off, questioning why their star wasn’t acknowledged.

Growing support for Shilo Sanders

First, the NFL Combine passed him over. Then, Colorado’s own appreciation post left him out. But Shilo isn’t letting any of it dim his shine. Walking into his first press conference with the Tampa Bay, Shilo made sure to shake hands with every reporter in the room, setting the tone with class and charisma. Like his legendary father, he lit up the room with energy and personality. He joked about being the “snack guy” for the Bucs’ safeties and asked for beach recommendations, winning hearts instantly. “Man, look at where we’re at,” Shilo smiled. Adding, “It’s a great environment to thrive in.” Yet back in Boulder, fans noticed the silence — following that, one fan simply asked, “where’s Shilo?”

Shilo Sanders may have gone undrafted, but he’s already turning heads in Tampa. On Day 1 of rookie camp, he impressed HC Todd Bowles with his sharp football IQ and vocal leadership. “He’s very intelligent, he’s very loud,” noted Bowles. Adding, “You can hear him making calls… he has a good grasp of things Day 1.”

That kind of command isn’t new for Shilo. Back in 2022, he racked up 20 tackles, snagged an interception, and broke up five passes — proving he’s more than just a name. Yet somehow, the Buffs’ celebration post skipped over him. Fans didn’t let it slide. One simply reminded everyone: “Don’t forget Shilo.” Another fan put it best, stating, “No shilo??”

It wasn’t just Shilo Sanders who got overlooked. The Buffs also left out BJ Green and Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig from their NFL Draft appreciation post, and fans weren’t having it. Green, a force on the D-line after transferring from Arizona State, signed with the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent. Silmon-Craig, a reliable safety, also landed in Jacksonville the same way. Despite their contributions in Boulder, their names were nowhere to be found in the celebratory shoutout. That silence sparked backlash, with one fan summing up the frustration perfectly, writing, “Where’s Shilo, Cam, and BJ Green?”

Last but far from least, a proud Buffs fan celebrated the team’s draft success — but didn’t ignore the glaring omissions. While the spotlight shone on big names, others were left in the dark. The fan voiced what many were thinking, calling out the missing love for key contributors. His message was loud and clear: “Whole Team 👏👏🔥 You need to post Shark Shilo BJ Green 💚.” Sometimes, the ones who grind hardest deserve the loudest applause.