Baker Mayfield gives advice for Shedeur Sanders in Cleveland
As a former Cleveland quarterback, Baker Mayfield offers guidance to Shedeur Sanders on handling pressure and finding success in the NFL.
Sports Seriously
Shilo Sanders was waived by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ahead of the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline, ending his bid to make the team after not being selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
After not being signed to Tampa Bay’s 17-player practice squad, the 25-year-old safety expressed gratitude for the opportunity in a video posted to YouTube on Thursday.
“My time being with the Buccaneers has been nothing but great,” Sanders said. “The city, my teammates, my coaches, everybody’s always poured in love and support towards me and I’ll be forever grateful for that.”
Sanders also expressed hope that he might find another opportunity to prove he belongs in the NFL.
“I feel like this is just part of my story to grow and do bigger and better things,” he said. “Whether it’s finding another team, whether it’s getting another opportunity in the NFL, it is what it is.”
But the 25-year-old also acknowledged he will be OK if this marks the end of his football career.
“I’ve been talking to my agent and we’re waiting on the next opportunity,” Sanders said. “If that’s in the NFL, cool, but God has blessed me with a lot of talents to do other things other than football.”
Sanders mentioned music, acting and modeling as other areas of interest for him. He also credited his parents with helping him to stay well-rounded even as he dreamed of pursuing a professional football career.
Additionally, the 25-year-old spoke about the existential reality of the limited time players face to carve out careers as professional athletes, especially in the NFL.
“I feel like in every athlete’s life, it becomes a point to where the game ends for you,” Sanders said. “And I’m not saying that’s what it is now. I’m just saying, mentally, I’m good because I know that I’ve got a lot of talents and I’m blessed.”
Sanders played in all three of the Buccaneers’ preseason games and recorded three total tackles. However, his most notable play was of the negative variety. He was ejected from Tampa Bay’s third preseason game after after throwing a punch at Buffalo Bills tight end Zach Davidson.
It isn’t clear whether Sanders’ ejection played a part in the Buccaneers’ decision not to retain him on the team’s practice squad.
It also isn’t clear whether Sanders will land with another NFL club. Most teams have filled out their 17-man practice squads, but last-minute shuffling or injuries could afford the 25-year-old safety an opportunity to sign another deal.
Either way, Sanders is at peace with whatever the future brings and noted he was fortunate to get a chance to play for the Buccaneers – especially after watching his younger brother, Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, endure a long wait to be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
“Thank you to the Buccaneers for even giving me this opportunity,” he said. “You all saw how the draft was. Y’all know I’m lucky to even get a shot. Seeing how Shedeur went, I knew what was going to happen to me, being undrafted.”
“It was a great experience for me, and I’m forever grateful for that,” Sanders later added of his time in Tampa Bay. “I’m just staying in shape, staying ready for the next opportunity and we’ll be ready for anything.”