Young Bucs, Fans Developing A Bond
July 26th, 2025
Fan favorite.
Maybe one of the coolest things Joe has experienced in a while came the past two days at Bucs training camp practices.
This week, the Bucs held their first three training camp practices. Day 1 was closed to the public. Day 2 and Day 3, the general public (not special interest groups) was invited.
The bleachers were packed. On Thursday, there may not have been a seat left to be found. Yesterday, there were very, very few.
Of course, whenever the fans are around, they cheer for their favorite players. You know, Mike Evans, Baker Mayfield, Lavonte David, Antoine Winfield.
But yesterday, Joe noticed a change. While many of those aforementioned players elicited cheers and applause, it was younger Bucs who got the biggest reactions.
Whenever Bucky Irving touched the ball, folks reacted. When Jalen McMillan caught a bomb down the left sideline, opposite of the bleachers, it was a tremendous catch. He held the ball high and seemed to face the bleachers to show he had the ball. Immediately, the crowd stood and applauded. McMillan heard the reaction and reacted to the crowd, and the fans then applauded more.
Whenever Tez Johnson makes a catch, the fans holler. He hears it and smiles.
Then there is Shilo Sanders. The social media star and undrafted free agent rookie safety with a famous dad batted down a pass right in front of the bleachers. It was a darn good play.
Sanders immediately popped up, opened up his arms to the fans, obviously pleased with himself for a good play. The fans went bananas.
Joe doesn’t fully know what’s going on. Maybe the players, having grown up with social media, are used to building bonds with fans through apps and chats?
Whatever it is, these guys clearly have a connection. Fans gravitate to them. Shoot, after practice yesterday, there were hundreds of fans begging Sanders for his autograph. Sanders even had to have security with him so the fans didn’t break down those plastic snowfences the Bucs use for security.
It was a cool thing to see how engaged Bucs fans are with some of the younger players.
July 26th, 2025 at 12:23 am
I think Shiloh and Tez make the cut
July 26th, 2025 at 12:34 am
All those fans asking for Shilo’s autograph mistakenly thought he was Deion… because they’re dumb.
July 26th, 2025 at 12:37 am
Shilo is the most overhyped UDFA in history. I can’t wait for the crying and wailing when he’s cut.
July 26th, 2025 at 2:04 am
i saw shilo serving up fried chicken at a kfc drive thru window in tampa as a social media event…he gave out mad free food to the locals…
shilo just might make the team since his daddy is colonel sanders…oops i mean dion sanders
July 26th, 2025 at 2:12 am
Such tough keyboard warriors, whether Shiloh makes the team or not kids got talent and a proper amount of moxie and respect Yeah maybe he got an easier start than most of us but all reports show he works study learns hard at his job
July 26th, 2025 at 2:25 am
Trolls
July 26th, 2025 at 2:30 am
Desmond Watson is the most overhyped UDFA in history. I can’t wait for the crying and wailing when he’s cut.
July 26th, 2025 at 4:56 am
This is so wonderful to hear. Made my day. The players are showing us that they are a winning team together.
LakelandBuc – Agreed.
The KFC event with Shilo was for charity. Well-Rounded kid. No problems with his dad being involved. He was a strong player in the NFL. My understanding is that Deion did have some health problems. Glad to see him getting around, family first.
July 26th, 2025 at 5:37 am
I think it’s great the fans are so actively applauding and cheering when anyone on the team makes a great play.
I’m no psychology expert, but you’ve got to figure it’s a positive mental boost for the players.
And when the player know the fans are right there actively showing support and encouragement for them, it’s got to rub off on them in a positive way.
Go Bucs!!
July 26th, 2025 at 7:02 am
Many news outlets said he stayed and signed autographs which he did not. He stayed after practice to take pictures, hold babies and stream, while his position group took in extra practice. Love fan excitement but I think that gets old for a player who hasn’t made the team yet.
Well, Joe has pictures of him signing autographs. Doesn’t mean he didn’t turn down people. –Joe
July 26th, 2025 at 7:41 am
Sorry BA’s Red Pen, did Desmond Watson sleep with your wife? Such hate.
Desmond Watson is not going anywhere. Of course, at the same time, he is not going to be on the final roster. For a UDFA, the Bucs are paying big buck$ to Mr Watson. If I recall correctly, $300K.
I agree with something Joe said a while back. Watson will end up on a medical list for the Bucs (PUP maybe?). Its semi legit. He can’t lose weight. It is a medical condition. And the Bucs did not pay him that kind of money just to have another team put him on their practice squad.
July 26th, 2025 at 7:43 am
@Jude…you nailed it. Family first.
July 26th, 2025 at 7:48 am
I love all the excitement at camp year after year. Many outlets reported Shilo stayed long after practice to sign autographs. He didn’t sign any autographs, he held up babies, streamed and took lots of pictures while the rest of his position group took in extra reps after practice for the last few days. Football is fun and there is a short window for these guys to take it all in but I could see this getting old for someone who has not made the cut yet.
July 26th, 2025 at 8:14 am
Joe, you’re seeing the power of a streamer in this digital era with Shilo Sanders.
Easily Deions favorite son(the running joke) and he was just at KFC(obvious family sponsorship ploy) handing out free meals.
He also has an army of “aunties” that fawn over every and anything he does.
As somebody who’s old enough to watch Deion play, but was young enough in that time or be entertained by SI for Kids. I think it’s pretty awesome to see his kid in Tampa stirring up all types of good hype for my fav ball club and it’s young fans.
Whether he makes it or not in the NFL, Shilo is gonna be successful at something.
Also, who doesn’t want a defensive player with the nickname “Headache” ? Lol
The kid lo
July 26th, 2025 at 8:14 am
“Well-rounded kid”, really?
Didn’t he declare bankruptcy to avoid paying a civil judgement for assault?
July 26th, 2025 at 8:15 am
Joe(s), to your point, open practices connect the franchise to its Fandom. While they clamor for an autograph today, they’ll buy the jersey to get it signed tomorrow, pay for the Sunday tix when off to college, return home as season tix holders, and vote on stadium tiffs. Hopefully, the Glazers see the interest and stop with the frugal shortsighted closed to the public practices.
July 26th, 2025 at 8:17 am
At an Eagles camp practice that’s open to the public, fans probably boo loudly at every little mistake made. LOL
I have no problem with any of the UDFA that can garner some attention. Love the positive attitudes, though. If they earn a roster spot, great. If not, it’s just the way of things. Tough business but the cream always rises.
July 26th, 2025 at 9:55 am
Filthy is one miserable person
July 26th, 2025 at 10:36 am
Actually, Sanders got a tiny signing bonus. I’m pretty sure most fans know he’s a long shot to even make the practice squad. But he is entertaining and fun for now. Let the fans have a little enjoyment while it lasts.
July 26th, 2025 at 11:07 am
Crowley,
That assault charge happened when he was 15 years old
The alleged victim was looking to sue Deion
July 26th, 2025 at 11:27 am
J.J. Roberts
July 26th, 2025 at 11:28 am
Still nothing on the UDFA safety who doesn’t have a famous daddy. People are suckers for celebrity.
July 26th, 2025 at 11:50 am
What’s Cardi B doing these days?
July 26th, 2025 at 11:54 am
J.J Who…
July 26th, 2025 at 11:54 am
JJ Roberts has the best shot at making the cut,
He’s versatile, can play SS,FS, Nickel
He has the speed, the footwork, ball skills, coverage skills
He’s a keeper, I think he will get playing time this season
I think Shiloh starts off on the Practice squad, then get elevated
July 26th, 2025 at 11:55 am
Simeon4HOF Says:
July 26th, 2025 at 9:55 am
Well, if pointing out that people are being blinded by celebrity with Sanders, even though he’s not really much of an NFL prospect, yeah, I must be a miserable person. Still haven’t seen the article about J.J. Roberts. I just find it interesting and stupefying.
July 26th, 2025 at 11:59 am
If he can make plays on special teams and Gather more attention from his legion of fans the Bucs will be foolish to let him go. I personally think he’s made the team already they Bucs are spending a lot of money marketing him to the fan base
July 26th, 2025 at 12:03 pm
I hope Sanders and J.J both excel. Why pull only for one? Go Bucs!!
July 26th, 2025 at 12:11 pm
I think Shiloh and JJ are better than what he had last season
July 26th, 2025 at 12:19 pm
Shilo isn’t even and NFL prospect. He was only signed because of his famous daddy. Yet all the suckers are here pulling for him. When was the last time people were so interested in rooting for an undrafted free agent safety? Kaevon Merriweather was a better safety prospect last year. Was there anyone banging the drum for him? So, clearly people just love celebrities and they’re easily convinced that daddy’s DNA is going to make an NFL player. It’s effing stupid.
Still waiting for the article about the actual NFL prospect, J.J. Roberts.
What’s Jay-Z up to lately?
July 26th, 2025 at 12:21 pm
What’s Jay-Z up to lately?
July 26th, 2025 at 12:21 pm
Shilo isn’t even and NFL prospect. He was only signed because of his famous daddy. Yet all the fools are here pulling for him. When was the last time people were so interested in rooting for an undrafted free agent safety? Kaevon Merriweather was a better safety prospect last year. Was there anyone banging the drum for him? So, clearly people just love celebrities and they’re easily convinced that daddy’s DNA is going to make an NFL player.
Still waiting for the article about the actual NFL prospect, J.J. Roberts.
July 26th, 2025 at 12:30 pm
What’s the latest from P-Diddy? Or Didn’t he? People wanna know. This is TMZ, right?
July 26th, 2025 at 12:35 pm
Kaevon Merriweather played good last season
When giving the opportunity
July 26th, 2025 at 12:39 pm
What article? What did he do? Articles on this site are either earned by interest or earned by action. Maybe if this Roberts does something against the ones Joe will type up something about him. Otherwise, he’s just a run of the mill UDFA who may or may not make the practice squad. Bubble dude (maybe). Those guys don’t move the needle.
When J.J. Roberts does something, Joe will write about him.
If you think Joe’s going to spend more time typing about someone few care about (or even heard of) over a guy who has a strong following, you’ve landed on the wrong site.
July 26th, 2025 at 12:41 pm
LakelandBuc Says:
July 26th, 2025 at 12:35 pm
RIght. He was an NFL prospect. Not an overhyped NFL sideshow, like the kid who has had more articles written about him than all of our undrafted rookies combined.
July 26th, 2025 at 12:43 pm
Yes!
July 26th, 2025 at 12:44 pm
Joe Says:
July 26th, 2025 at 12:39 pm
Well, what did Shilo do? NOTHING, except be famous. You’re just pimping celebrity if that’s enough to post on the kid.
July 26th, 2025 at 12:44 pm
Helluva lot more than this Roberts.
Joe has zero — ZEE-row — interest in chasing readers away typing about a Sun Belt UDFA dude who has done nothing (yet).
You want to read an article about this guy so badly? Here you go. Joe has nothing else to add until he does something on the football field, or has a strong following on social media that demonstrates there is interest in him that warrants Joe writing articles.
Joe knows there are lesser Bucs sites that burn endless hours typing about dudes who will be wiping children’s snot off tables at Applebees in two months
July 26th, 2025 at 12:47 pm
LakelandBuc,
Couple of questions:
1. The assault should be excused because he was 15?
2. The victim is the villain in this?
3. Would society demand more accountability for his actions if he were just a kid from the hood and not the son of a famous athlete?
July 26th, 2025 at 12:57 pm
Joe Says:
July 26th, 2025 at 12:44 pm
What FOOTBALL thing has Shilo done? NOTHING.
It’s fine if pimping guys with a social media following is your business. Your business could also be a discussion about our UDFA safeties, and do some actual analysis based on looking at some college film. Ya know, research. Instead you’ve chosen the route of pimping for the rich celebrity kid. I know, you’re in it to make money, and to do some actual analysis might sink your business. #TMZ
Joe writes what Joe finds interesting. That’s the business here. Joe doesn’t care how it’s received. Shilo Sanders is interesting to Joe at times, as well as entertaining. Joe has spent hours watching Sanders videos and finds them interesting. –Joe
July 26th, 2025 at 1:11 pm
What’s the Rock doing today?
July 26th, 2025 at 1:13 pm
Go Shilo!
July 26th, 2025 at 1:58 pm
Joe. Where is the article about Darcy Glazers husband. He’s gotta be doing something.
Sorry, channeling my inner filthy animal.
July 26th, 2025 at 2:16 pm
X’s and O’s sites/shows neither move the needle nor make money.
Research what? For what reason?
What next, Joe should start covering zoning board meetings?
(Joe’s very tempted now to write a Shilo Sanders story at least daily given the reaction and response. 🙂)
July 26th, 2025 at 2:31 pm
I guffaw when whiny know it all try to tell Joes how to run their business.
July 26th, 2025 at 3:00 pm
Well, what did Shilo do?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you read the article, he batted down a pass right in front of the bleachers and got the crowd excited. Filthy lost his prom date to a rich kid!
July 26th, 2025 at 3:11 pm
“I guffaw when whiny know it all try to tell Joes how to run their business.“
Hilarious becuase every post like clockwork you’re talking like you know how to run an NFL locker room, roster, or team better than an actual NFL HC lol
July 26th, 2025 at 4:20 pm
Aqualung Says:
July 26th, 2025 at 2:31 pm
Except that’s not what’s happening. I’m merely pointing out, despite resistance to the idea of the already Shilo-indoctrinated, that this promotion of Sanders has nothing to do with football and everything to do with his famous daddy.
Actually, it has everything to do with the NFL being an entertainment business and the young man being an interesting personality. But in reality, the Bucs signed him for his football ability, not for the buzz. –Joe
That should be clear as day. Criticizing the focus (not just by the Joes, but the casual consumer of information) is not the same as telling them how to run their business.
July 26th, 2025 at 11:25 pm
Welcome to filthyanimalbucsfan.com!!!