Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Shilo Sanders was ejected from Saturday's NFL preseason finale against Buffalo for throwing a punch at an opposing player's head.
It happened with just under seven minutes remaining in the second quarter with the Bills leading 7-3. The Bills had 2nd and 9 at the Bucs 24-yard line. Bills TE Zach Davidson was aggressively blocking Sanders on the play, which was a short pass from QB Shane Buechele to WR Elijah Moore which resulted in a 1-yard gain.
Davidson made initial contact with Sanders on the 14-yard line and pushed him all the way back to the 2-yard line, even though the play was mostly wrapped up. Sanders lost his cool and punched Davidson in the helmet. Multiple flags flew and Sanders was ejected from the game. Davidson did not retaliate. The Bills scored on the next play to extend their lead to 14-3.
Buccaneers safety Shilo Sanders was ejected from Saturday's preseason game with the Bills.
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) August 24, 2025
Sanders threw a punch at Buffalo TE Zach Davidson following a skirmish.pic.twitter.com/SobfNsVVGN
We have seen a fight break out earlier this preseason leading to ejections when the offensive player refuses to release their block even when the play is clearly over. It was understandable for Sanders to be frustrated, but throwing a punch is no way to express your anger. In addition, you are at more risk of hurting yourself than hurting the other player when you are throwing a punch at a player that is wearing a helmet.
Shilo was not the only offspring of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders to have a rough day on Saturday, as Shedeur struggled with the Browns as he took 5 sacks, including one which resulted in a 22-yard loss.
Shilo Sanders had only one tackle to his name at the time of his ejection. In the end, the Bills beat the Rams 23-19.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports).
