Why Deion Sanders didn't accept son Shilo's debut NFL game jersey

Shilo Sanders led the Bucs to a 27-9 win over the Titans and offered his game jersey to dad Deion, who declined; Shilo will give it to his mom instead.

Published on: Aug 12, 2025, 08:53:02 IST

By HT News Desk

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Shilo Sanders made his Pro Football Hall of Fame father Deion Sanders proud with a 27-9 win over the Tennessee Titans as part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As a sentimental gesture, Shilo wished to hand over his game-worn jersey to his dad. But when the latter refused to accept it, it came as a shock to the expectant son.

Deion Sanders smiles before speaking about his journey in beating bladder cancer during a press conference on July 28. (AP)

“He didn’t want it,” Shilo Sanders said, as reported by ESPN. “Cause, you know, he’s a Hall of Famer. He expects like 30 times more… I’m gonna give it to my mom though. Shout out to my mom for coming. She went all the way to North Carolina for Shedeur’s game, and then went to my game. So, you have my jersey.”

Shilo's mother, Pilar, however, didn't have any reservations about accepting her son's first NFL game jersey. Not only did she accept it, she also wrote an elaborate Instagram post commemorating the moment.

“WOW! @shilosanders first NFL GAME JERSEY! So Grateful, Speechless and deeply touched realizing how connected he is!" Pilar Sanders wrote.

"We never had a conversation about this, so for him to do this all on his own is - moms you understand! l LOVE HIM SOOOO MUCH!!!”, she added.

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A post shared by PILAR SANDERS (@pilarsanders)

Also read: Is Noah Sewell related to Penei and Nephi Sewell? All you need to know about the Sewell family

Fans react

Fans and followers of Pilar took to her comments section to express their love for the mother-son duo.

“Real mom things!!! Didn’t miss a game and made it for both boys Shiloh has the biggest heart ” a fan commented.

“you have the sweetest mama , that’s a blessing you did an excellent job,” another fan expressed.

“He is my favorite and so deserves this!!!” wrote a user.

“Awwwwwww!!!!! I'm crying too....this is so beautiful ” another fan opined.

By Stuti Gupta

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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