Pilar Sanders Turns Promotion Mode On for Son Shilo as His Fate Hangs in the Balance Ahead of the NFL Draft
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, one name that has garnered attention is Shilo Sanders, the safety from the University of Colorado. The son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, Shilo has had a diverse collegiate career, playing for South Carolina, Jackson State, and Colorado. Despite his lineage and experience, Shilo’s draft prospects have been met with skepticism. However, his mother, Pilar Sanders, is determined to change that narrative. In a recent move, Pilar has taken to social media to promote her son’s abilities, sending a clear message to NFL scouts and fans alike.
Shilo Sanders: A Journey Through College Football
Shilo Sanders’ collegiate journey has been anything but conventional. Starting at South Carolina, he transferred to Jackson State to play under his father, Deion Sanders, before following him to Colorado. Over his six-year career, Shilo accumulated 184 total tackles, nine pass breakups, five interceptions, five forced fumbles, a sack, and two touchdowns (SI). His physical style of play and ability to create turnovers made him a key piece of Colorado’s defense in 2024.
However, Shilo’s path has not been without challenges. He has battled several injuries, including a broken forearm against Nebraska and offseason shoulder surgery last year. Despite these setbacks, he showed resilience by playing through pain and finishing the season (SI).
The NFL Combine Snub
One of the most significant hurdles in Shilo’s draft journey was his exclusion from the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. The NFL released the names of the 329 prospects who would participate in the Combine, and Shilo was notably absent. This omission raised eyebrows, as many analysts believed he deserved an invite based on his collegiate performance (SI).
In response to this snub, Shilo took to social media to express his frustration. He posted a two-word message that read, “BIG SHILO,” signaling his readiness to prove his worth to NFL scouts and critics alike (Sportskeeda).
Pilar Sanders: A Mother’s Advocacy
In the face of these challenges, Pilar Sanders has become a vocal advocate for her son. She has consistently used her platform to highlight Shilo’s achievements and potential. In a recent Instagram post, Pilar shared a clip of Shilo from his days at South Carolina, captioning it with “BIG SHILO.” This simple yet powerful message serves as a reminder of her son’s capabilities and determination (Sportskeeda).
Pilar’s advocacy extends beyond social media. She has been actively involved in discussions with NFL scouts and teams, emphasizing Shilo’s strengths and the unique experiences he brings to the table. Her efforts aim to ensure that Shilo receives the recognition he deserves as the draft approaches.
The NFL Draft Outlook
As the 2025 NFL Draft nears, Shilo Sanders’ prospects remain uncertain. Without an invitation to the Combine, he faces an uphill battle to secure a spot on an NFL roster. However, his performance at Colorado’s Pro Day could serve as a critical opportunity to showcase his skills to NFL scouts. A strong showing could bolster his draft stock and potentially lead to a selection in the later rounds or an undrafted free agent contract (SI).
Despite the challenges, Shilo remains focused on his goal of playing in the NFL. He has expressed confidence in his abilities and is determined to prove his worth to those who may have doubted him. With the support of his mother, Pilar, Shilo is poised to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.
