After going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, Shilo Sanders got a shot with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Excited with the opportunity, Shilo posted on IG:
“Thank you, God, for everything! & Thank You Buccaneers for believing in me Headachegang CEO.”
While he might be over the moon after getting signed, his move to Florida isn’t a walk in the park. He’s even stated his concern with the weather over there.
Shilo Sanders’ First Challenge Heading To Tampa
After spending two seasons in Boulder snowboarding in the mountains and playing winter games, Shilo now needs to adapt to the scorching heat in Tampa.
And before we forget, Shilo recently had an ACL tear and a broken forearm. So, beating challenges in Tampa requires both physical and mental efforts. But Shilo seems to have it all figured out. Speaking during training, he said:
“I’m built for Florida,” he said. “I’m hoping my Prime Time genetics, my Florida boy genetics, kick in and keep me safe from humidity. You know what I’m saying, because I got that Florida DNA way back from Fort Meyer, I’m built for Florida,” said Shilo.
The message, despite the fear of adapting in Tampa, proves that the Sanders boy has got that old-school grit. But there’s more to worry about.
The NFL doesn’t have time for cute stories. As a defense-first coach, Todd Bowles requires his team to put up an A-game. If Shilo Sanders can’t put up with the jungle humidity, he’ll barely last on Sundays.
This means one thing. He’s signed a deal, but his seat isn’t guaranteed. He’s got to battle through minicamp and training to earn himself a spot. Otherwise, he’d risk getting waived from the team.
Beating the Tampa Heat
A few days after being signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Shilo Sanders has started showing his concern over Tampa’s temperature.
When training with teammates on May 2, Shilo Sanders disclosed his biggest worry. In a video, the CU cameraman told Sanders that it’s going to be different in Tampa Bay. Agreeing to it, Shilo Sanders showed plans to move to Tampa Bay soon to get used to the place.
He replied, “Yeah, I know, bro. That’s why we get there this weekend, just be around, walk around, start getting on the field out there.”
Showing his deepest concern, Shilo Sanders added, “It’s not really the heat, it’s the humidity. You walk out of the hotel, and it’s literally just, you feel like you gotta take a shower.”
His concern is genuine. Boulder is cold and dry, sitting at 5,400 feet, ideal for athletes. But Tampa exposes you to 90 degrees of suffocating heat. Your jersey sticks to you moments before you even get started with warmup. So, Shilo’s plan to get there early is perfect to get himself acclimatized.
You might think humidity is just a side issue. But no, it’s a big deal to an athlete, especially one who’s not used to the weather like Shilo Sanders. The thick air drains you completely.
While workouts may feel light in Boulder, Shilo is yet to feel the brutal effects of the sun. Under the thick humidity, the same training might feel like punishment. So, will Shilo Sanders’ plan really stick?
Also Read: All NIL Brand Deals Signed By Shilo Sanders During His College Career