Perhaps the most famous rookie at Tampa Bay Buccaneers camp is one who wasn't even drafted. Shilo Sanders signed with the Bucs as part of the team's UDFA class, and ever since then, he's started to grow on fans in ways nobody really expected.
Given how much attention was focused on the bravado of the Sanders family at Colorado -- which rubbed more than a few fans the wrong way -- Tampa Bay signing Shilo didn't inspire much a ton of hope. Since the, though, the rookie has subverted expectations and is starting to carve out a place on the roster while winning skeptical fans over.
It's something that has impressed more than just those in Tampa, as Deion Sanders wasn't shy in getting honest about how Shilo's journey is making him feel. After Shilo's performance at rookie minicamp, Deion posted a heartfelt message to his son that will no doubt resonate with fans.
"I'm so Proud of @shilosanders! He's focused, dedicated & hungry. I can't wait to see the product he puts on the field. They have REAL PURPOSE & yall know why. #Dad/CoachPrime," Deion wrote.
This is subversion on two different levels, as Deion is the driving force behind most of the perception folks have about the Sanders family. When Shilo signed with the Bucs, weirdo aggregation accounts on social media tried to run with low-hanging -- and unverified -- engagement bait about how Deion begged Jason Licht to sign his son.
None of that turned out to be true, but it played into tropes about the Sanders that caused fans to pause when Shilo joined the team. Instead of getting a reality show, the Bucs have gotten a front-row seat to a totally different version of the Sanders than advertised, and it's been really cool to watch.
Deion reportedly called Todd Bowles to thank him for giving his son a shot, and Shilo hasn't wasted a moment of his opportunity. We'll see where this journey leads, but so far everything about it has been pretty awesome, and it's telling that fans want to see it have a happy conclusion.
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