Shilo Sanders 'biggest fan' takes a stand amid Shine Bowl practice criticism

The Buffaloes defensive back went viral for looking rusty at the Shrine Bowl
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Shilo Sanders has always been in the spotlight, not just because of his last name but due to his undeniable talent and potential as a football player. However, the recent viral clips from the East-West Shrine Bowl practices have sparked conversations about his readiness for the next level.

Shilo's mother, Pilar Sanders, stepped up to defend him, a testament to the unwavering support parents have for their children. But the reality remains—Shilo must take a hard look in the mirror and ask himself if he is truly prepared to be the player everyone believes he can be.

Shilo Sanders at Shrine Bowl
Pilar Sanders/Instagram

The concerns surrounding Shilo’s performance are not necessarily new. Questions about his ability to cover and tackle have lingered, and the recent practice struggles only reignited those doubts.

Bad days happen in football, and even the best players have rough stretches. But at a showcase event like the Shrine Bowl, every rep matters. This is not the time for inconsistency, especially when other athletes are fighting for the same opportunity. A strong showing could solidify his draft stock, while a lackluster performance could push him further down the ranks.

The Sanders name alone won’t be enough to secure Shilo an NFL roster spot. While his father, Deion Sanders, is arguably the greatest cornerback of all time, and his brother Shedeur is a rising quarterback prospect, Shilo must carve out his own path. The raw tools are there—he has the athleticism, the football IQ, and the work ethic. But does he truly want it? That’s the real question.

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Deion himself has spoken about Shilo’s journey, mentioning how he initially played quarterback like Shedeur before transitioning to defense. If Deion believes Shilo has the ability to be great, what’s preventing him from unlocking that potential? Is it a mental hurdle, a coaching disconnect, or something else entirely?

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Fans haven’t turned on Shilo because they see the potential. He’s charismatic, likable, and has shown flashes of being an impact player. But football is a results-driven business.

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If Shilo wants to succeed at the next level, he has to silence the critics with his play, not just through words or support from family. Pilar's defense of her son is understandable —social media can be brutal. But at the end of the day, it’s on Shilo to put in the work, finish the drill, and prove he belongs in the NFL. His story isn’t finished yet, but how it ends is entirely up to him.


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Emanuel Walker
EMANUEL WALKER II

Emanuel Walker II covers college sports as a writer for On SI. The Atlanta transplant by way of Detroit is the founder of the Tomorrow's Leaders Sports Network (TLSN) and started out covering major events for HBCUs around the country. Walker enjoys coaching youth sports and is a cigar aficionado. He's also an avid philanthropist and operates a non-profit to give back to the local community.