Many fans ask: did shilo sanders get picked up by the steelers? Shilo Sanders has made waves in football. He is the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders. His path from high school to college and now pro ball draws lots of eyes. But did he land with the Pittsburgh Steelers? We will look at the facts. This piece covers his background, key moments, stats, and what comes next. Stick around to get the full story.
Who Is Shilo Sanders? A Quick Background

Shilo Deion Sanders came into the world on February 9, 2000, in Dallas, Texas. He grew up in a football family. His dad, Deion Sanders, played in the NFL for years and earned a spot in the Hall of Fame. Deion won Super Bowls and starred as a cornerback. Shilo’s brother, Shedeur, also plays quarterback and joined the pros. With such roots, Shilo fell in love with the game early.
In high school, Shilo went to Trinity Christian in Cedar Hill, Texas. He played safety, wide receiver, and returned kicks. His dad helped coach the offense there. Shilo put up solid numbers. He had 24 tackles, five picks, and one fumble grab on defense. On offense, he rushed for 45 yards and a score. He caught 13 passes for 199 yards and three touchdowns. These stats showed his skills on both sides of the ball.
Shilo stood out as a leader too. He helped his team win games. Fans saw his speed and smarts. He earned praise for his play. After high school, he picked South Carolina for college. This started his journey to higher levels.
Shilo’s College Football Days
Shilo’s college career took him to three schools. He started at South Carolina in 2019. As a freshman, he saw little action but learned a lot. He made two tackles and grabbed one fumble. In 2020, the season got cut short. He played nine games and started four. He tallied 32 tackles and one pass breakup. These early years built his base.
Then, Shilo moved to Jackson State in 2021. His dad coached there. This change helped him shine. In FCS ball, he notched 39 tackles, seven pass breaks, two forced fumbles, and four picks. He tied for second in his league for interceptions. He earned second-team All-SWAC honors. That year marked his best yet.
In 2022, an ACL tear hurt his play. He missed games but still added 20 tackles and one pick in seven outings. Injuries test players, but Shilo pushed through.
For 2023 and 2024, Shilo joined Colorado. His dad coached the Buffaloes. In 2023, he started all 11 games he played. He led with 70 tackles, one pick-six for 80 yards, one forced fumble, and one recovery. Fans loved his big plays, like the pick-six in his first game against TCU.
In 2024, he played eight games. He had 55 tackles, two for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, one recovery, and one pick. His time at Colorado boosted his profile. He helped the team upset rivals like Colorado State.
Here are some key college stats:
- Total games: 52
- Starts: 33
- Tackles: 217 combined (160 solo, 57 assists)
- Tackles for loss: 6
- Sacks: 1
- Interceptions: 6 (179 yards, 1 TD)
- Pass deflections: 13
- Forced fumbles: 7
- Fumble recoveries: 2 (6 yards, 1 TD)
These numbers show his growth. Shilo played in both FBS and FCS. He adapted well. His family ties added buzz. Deion often praised him. “Shilo has heart,” Deion said in interviews. This set him up for the pros.
The 2025 NFL Draft: What Happened?
The 2025 NFL Draft brought excitement for Shilo. Many wondered about his spot. He had good size at 5-foot-11 and 196 pounds. His Pro Day showed speed: 4.52 in the 40-yard dash. He jumped 9 feet 5 inches broad. Scouts noted his arm length and hand size.
But Shilo went undrafted. Teams passed on him seven rounds. Why? Some said his injury history played a role. Others pointed to his measurables. He ranked as a UDFA prospect at best in some mocks.
Right after the draft, Shilo signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This gave him a shot. Bucs added him as one of 15 undrafted free agents. He joined another safety, J.J. Roberts from Marshall.
Deion shared the news on Twitch. “Shilo signed with Tampa Bay,” he said. Fans cheered. This marked Shilo’s entry to the NFL.
Shilo’s Time with the Buccaneers
Shilo hit training camp with Tampa Bay. He aimed to make the roster. In preseason, he showed flashes. But trouble came in a game against Buffalo on August 23, 2025. He punched tight end Zach Davidson. Refs ejected him. Coach Todd Bowles called it “inexcusable.”
The NFL fined Shilo $4,669. Then, on August 26, the Bucs waived him. This cut short his time there. He stayed on the practice squad briefly but didn’t stick.
Shilo spoke out after. “This is part of my story,” he said. “I’ll grow from it.” He thanked the team and city. This setback tested him.
Did Shilo Sanders Get Picked Up by the Steelers?
Now, the big question: did shilo sanders get picked up by the steelers? Rumors flew after his Bucs release. Some sites named Pittsburgh as a spot. Why? The Steelers need depth at safety. They have stars like Minkah Fitzpatrick but look for young talent.
One article said Steelers could claim him off waivers. Fans on social media buzzed. A TikTok video claimed he joined their practice squad. A YouTube short said “picked up by Pittsburgh.” Even a Facebook video announced a signing.
But facts show no. Shilo did not sign with the Steelers. He went unclaimed on waivers. No deal happened. The team made their stance clear by not picking him up.
A Reddit thread asked about Shilo. Users said he lacks the skills for NFL. “He sucks,” one wrote. “UDFA at best.” This matches why he stayed unsigned.
Facebook groups like Shedeur Sanders fans debunked it. “It’s fake,” a post said. “He joined Tampa, not Steelers.” Wikipedia confirms: Bucs only, then cut.
So, did shilo sanders get picked up by the steelers? No. Rumors started from speculation. Media named spots, but nothing stuck.
Post-Draft Journey and Tryouts
After Bucs, Shilo sought chances. In September 2025, he worked out with the 49ers. They brought in six players, including him. No deal came. Injuries hit teams, but Shilo waited.
Deion updated fans. “Shilo had a 49ers tryout,” he said. “Proud of him.” Shilo shared on YouTube. He exposed life without a team. “It’s tough,” he admitted. “But I train daily.”
In October, he ruled out CFL. “Not for me,” he said from Tampa. Teams like Patriots eyed safeties but signed others. Raiders heard his message but passed.
By November, Shilo tried new paths. He hit a NASCAR track. “Fun,” he posted. He joked about driving. A vlog went viral. It showed family time and boosted his online fans.
In December, momentum grew from content. “Camera might be my future,” he hinted. But he still hopes for NFL.
As of February 2026, Shilo lacks a team. He trains and waits. His story inspires many.
Family Influence and Support
Family shapes Shilo. Deion guides him. “Prime Time” won titles with 49ers and Cowboys. He coaches and motivates.
Shedeur, drafted by Browns in 2025, supports too. He made Pro Bowl as rookie. “Bro has talent,” Shedeur said.
Shilo faced issues. A 2016 lawsuit claimed assault. In 2022, he lost a $11.89 million judgment. He filed bankruptcy in 2023. It lists debts but contests hide assets. This adds stress.
Deion predicts acting if NFL fails. “Shilo has interviews,” he shared. “Opportunities there.” Shilo impersonates well. His YouTube shows charm.
Family stays close. They push each other.
Achievements and Highlights
Shilo boasts wins. In college:
- Second-team All-SWAC (2021)
- Tied for SWAC picks lead (2021)
- 80-yard pick-six vs. TCU (2023)
- Helped Jackson State go strong
- Upset Colorado State with Colorado
In high school, he versatile play stood out. Pro Day metrics impressed some.
Off field, NIL deals helped. He loaned jewelry but faced probes.
These moments build his resume.
Challenges and Lessons
Shilo met hurdles. Injuries like ACL tear slowed him. The punch cost his spot. Fines and cuts hurt.
Legal woes add weight. Bankruptcy fights continue.
But he learns. “Grow from it,” he says. He stays positive. Trains hard. Explores options.
Tips for young players:
- Stay disciplined: Avoid fights on field.
- Train smart: Prevent injuries.
- Build network: Talk to teams.
- Have backup: Learn other skills.
- Stay humble: Listen to coaches.
These help navigate pro ball.
Future Prospects for Shilo
What next? NFL still possible. Teams need safeties. “Wait for chance,” Shilo says.
If not, acting calls. Deion sees it. “He has charisma.”
Content creation grows. YouTube vlogs draw views. “Viral,” media notes.
NASCAR fun hints adventure. “New paths,” he jokes.
Shilo stays ready. His story unfolds.
For more football insights, check Laaster.
Conclusion
Shilo Sanders has a rich story. From Texas high school to college stops at South Carolina, Jackson State, and Colorado. He went undrafted but signed with Bucs. Cut after incident, he tried out elsewhere. Rumors swirled, but did shilo sanders get picked up by the steelers? No, he did not. He waits for his next shot while exploring new ways. His family backs him. Stats show talent: 217 tackles, six picks. Challenges build strength.
What do you think Shilo’s next move will be? Share in comments.
References
- Wikipedia on Shilo Sanders – Details his full career and stats.
- Facebook discussion on Shilo and Steelers rumor – Community debunk of fake news.
- Blog on Shilo’s NFL team – Overview of his pro status.

