After being waived by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a tough roster cut, Shilo Sanders—son of NFL legend Deion Sanders—responded with resilience and faith, insisting his journey is only beginning and leaving fans both heartbroken by the setback and inspired by his determination to fight for another chance in football.

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Shilo Sanders is speaking out for the first time after being waived earlier this week, offering fans a rare glimpse of his mindset and hinting at what might be the next chapter of his professional football career.

The 24-year-old defensive back, who joined Tampa Bay with the hopes of carving out a permanent role on the roster, now finds himself at a crossroads—but insists his journey is far from over.

The news of Sanders’ release came as part of the Buccaneers’ roster adjustments ahead of the upcoming NFL season.

Teams are required to make difficult decisions as they trim down to the league-mandated 53-man limit, and Sanders, despite his strong work ethic and flashes of potential in practice, was one of several names let go.

For fans who had followed his trajectory from Jackson State to Colorado and then to the Buccaneers, the move was bittersweet.

Many had hoped he would become a long-term fixture in Tampa Bay’s secondary.

In a message shared through social media, Sanders appeared calm and optimistic, choosing not to dwell on disappointment but instead on the lessons he’s learned along the way.

“This isn’t the end, it’s just part of the journey,” he wrote, alongside a short clip of himself training.

“God’s plan is bigger than anything I can imagine. The next step is coming soon.”

The post quickly went viral, drawing encouragement not only from fans but also from fellow athletes who applauded his resilience and determination.

Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer and current Colorado head coach Deion “Prime Time” Sanders, has always carried both the benefits and burdens of a famous last name.

Expectations have been high since his college days, where he played under his father’s leadership first at Jackson State and then at Colorado, making his presence felt with a mix of athleticism, versatility, and competitive fire.

His transition into the NFL was closely watched, with many analysts speculating that his pedigree and raw talent would make him a strong candidate to thrive if given the right system and opportunities.

His stint with the Buccaneers was short-lived, but insiders report that Sanders impressed coaches with his professionalism and drive.

Though he didn’t secure a spot on the final roster, his time in Tampa Bay was hardly wasted.

One assistant coach was quoted saying, “Shilo has the kind of mentality you want in the locker room.

He showed up every day ready to work, ready to compete.

That’s the kind of attitude that will get him another shot.”

The question now becomes: where will that shot come from? NFL insiders are already speculating that Sanders may be a candidate for a practice squad role, either with Tampa Bay if circumstances change, or with another team in need of depth in the defensive backfield.

Some point to franchises like the Arizona Cardinals or the New Orleans Saints, both of whom are navigating injuries in their secondary and could benefit from adding a hungry, athletic defensive back to the mix.

Outside of the NFL, other opportunities also loom.

The United Football League (UFL), which has been gaining momentum as an alternative platform for players on the cusp of NFL rosters, could provide Sanders with meaningful reps and exposure.

Given his name recognition and growing fanbase, Sanders would almost certainly be a headline signing for any UFL franchise.

What stands out most about Sanders in this moment, however, is his maturity.

Instead of lashing out or expressing frustration, he’s chosen to lean into positivity, using this setback as fuel for what comes next.

That approach seems to reflect the lessons instilled in him by his father, who faced his share of challenges before becoming one of the most celebrated athletes in football history.

“I’ve been here before,” Sanders told a small group of reporters outside the Buccaneers’ training facility after the news broke.

“Life’s about highs and lows, and how you respond to both.

I know my time is coming, and when it does, I’ll be ready.”

His words, calm yet confident, resonated deeply with fans who see him not only as a player but also as a young man forging his own path under immense pressure.

For now, Sanders will continue training, staying in peak physical shape and waiting for the next call.

Whether that comes from an NFL team, a UFL franchise, or another unexpected opportunity, one thing is clear: Shilo Sanders isn’t finished with football.

In fact, by his own account, he’s just getting started.

The journey of an athlete is often unpredictable, filled with twists that test both body and spirit.

For Sanders, this latest turn may prove to be the spark that propels him to even greater heights.

Fans will be watching closely, not just because of his famous last name, but because of the way he continues to embrace adversity with faith, determination, and an unwavering belief in what’s possible.