Shilo Sanders fined by NFL for thrown punch

Field Level Media|published: Sat 30th August, 18:17 2025

Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Shilo Sanders (28) stops Buffalo Bills wide receiver KJ Hamler (19) at the one yard line during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Shilo Sanders has been fined $4,669 by the NFL for throwing a punch, multiple outlets reported Saturday.

Sanders found notoriety following the blow delivered to tight end Zach Davidson in the Buccaneers' preseason contest with the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 23. Sanders was ejected for the play, and Tampa Bay released the rookie free agent defensive back a day later.

"You can't throw punches in this league," Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said. "That's inexcusable. They're going to get you every time. Gotta grow from that."

The 25-year-old Sanders had been a long shot to make the roster, listed as a third-string safety on the team's depth chart. He contributed four solo tackles during exhibition play.

During six college football seasons -- two at South Carolina, two at Jackson State and two at Colorado -- Sanders appeared in 52 games with 33 starts. He amassed 217 tackles, six interceptions and five forced fumbles. Shilo played for his father, Deion Sanders, at Jackson State and Colorado.

--Field Level Media