Shilo Sanders hit with huge fine by the NFL after punching rival during preseason game

The NFL is fining former Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Shilo Sanders $4,669 for punching another player in a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. 

The incident, which occurred last Saturday, saw Sanders throw punches at Bills tight end Zach Davidson during an on-field scuffle. He was promptly ejected from the game and released by the Buccaneers less than 24 hours later.

The 25-year-old, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders and brother to Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, has not been picked up by another team since. 

According to ESPN, Sanders has been dealt another blow after being fined $4,669 by the league for the on-field incident. 

Earlier this week, Sanders admitted that he's come to terms with the fact his NFL journey could be over in the wake of his scuffle.

'I'll be talking to my agent and we're waiting on the next opportunity,' he said after breaking his silence. 'If that's in the NFL, cool. But God has blessed me with a lot of talent to do things other than football. I know God always has a plan for me.'

He featured in all three of Tampa Bay’s preseason games as he fought for a place on the final roster. 

'I feel like this is just part of my story to grow and do bigger and better things,' he added. 'I've had the best time up here in Tampa, but everything happens for a reason.

'Whether it's finding another team, whether it's getting another opportunity in the NFL, it is what it is.'

Despite the abrupt end to his stint in Tampa, Sanders remained grateful for the experience, praising the organisation and the support he received.

'My time being with the Buccaneers has been nothing but great. The city, my teammates, my coaches - everybody has poured in love and support toward me and I'll be forever grateful for that.'

Head coach Todd Bowles had expressed his disappointment following the game, a clear signal that Sanders' conduct had cost him dearly at a critical point in the preseason.

The safety, who went undrafted earlier this year, said he had realistic expectations after seeing how far his brother Shedeur slid in the 2025 NFL Draft - falling to the fifth round before being selected by the Browns.

'You all saw how the draft went,' Sanders said. '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.

'I'm just staying in shape, staying ready for the next opportunity and we'll be ready for anything.'