With the 2025 NFL Draft just weeks away, Colorado safety Shilo Sanders has found himself in headlines for more than just his on-field performance.
A lingering legal issue from 2023 involving a high school altercation has resurfaced, raising questions about his NIL earnings and financial standing.
But his father, Coach Prime, isn’t having it…
Shilo, the son of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, was the subject of a nearly $12 million judgment stemming from an incident with a former school security guard in Texas.
As part of a bankruptcy filing, Sanders disclosed approximately $325,000 in assets – a revelation that’s led to increased scrutiny as he prepares for the draft.
Despite the noise, Deion Sanders was quick to defend his son’s character and consistency, both on and off the field.
“Shilo got several years of film that are impeccable,” Sanders said. “Shilo had one negative game that we could denote. [He has] been a pillar of consistency. Shilo is an old school player playing up under these new school guidelines. Shilo is a dog.”
The Buffs coach continued to praise his son’s commitment and work ethic, especially after his showing at Colorado’s Pro Day.
“He ran surprisingly… I’m pretty sure he’s surprised a lot of you guys, his 40-time today, and I’m so darn proud of him. He does not take a backseat to his brother. He does not take a backseat to anybody,” Sanders said.
“He’s a worker and he’s a go-getter, and he’s a dog. He’s a doer… I love what he represents. I love who he is on and off the field. He’s a great young man.”
When asked about the financial controversy surrounding Shilo’s bankruptcy and NIL earnings, Deion downplayed the situation and referenced a statement from his son’s legal team.
“I know some other bull junk came out, but he fulfilled all his financial obligations. These issues appear to have risen due to disruptions in the payment process. This is from his attorney: ‘following the termination of Mr. Sanders online account access.’ So, he’s good. He’s good,” Sanders concluded.
At 25 years old, Shilo Sanders brings experience, and versatility to the table.
However, he did not receive an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine, and analysts currently project him as a late-round selection – potentially in the sixth or seventh round, if he is drafted at all.
While concerns about age and legal distractions may temper his stock, his on-field tape tells a different story.
Shilo has been a key part of Colorado’s secondary and demonstrated leadership throughout the Buffaloes’ ups-and-downs over the past two seasons.
Ultimately, the elder Sanders remains confident in his son’s future.
As the draft nears, Shilo Sanders will be hoping NFL teams look beyond headlines and focus on the player he’s worked hard to become.
What are your thoughts on Shilo as a prospect? … When it’s all said and done, where do you think he will be drafted? (Or will he???)
