Shilo Sanders, the son of legendary coach and NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, has been turning heads both on and off the field. A lighthearted moment between Shilo and competitive eating legend Joey Chestnut is going viral on the internet.
Shilo Sanders Enjoying Offseason, Cracks Laughs With Joey Chestnut
Shilo and Joey were seen cracking laughs, and fans couldn’t get enough of the unexpected interaction. The 41-year-old Chestnut, currently ranked as the world’s No. 1 competitive eater, and Shilo bonded during the offseason, bringing smiles to football and food fans.
Have a look:
Shilo Sanders and the great Joey Chestnut link up🔥🐐 pic.twitter.com/qyGdQ4Ktud
— GUCCE🦬🐦⬛ (@gucceCU) January 18, 2025
Fun aside, the 24-year-old Colorado safety is working hard on the field, ready to prove his mettle in the NFL. With the NFL Draft set for April, Shilo is laser-focused on preparing for the NFL Combine. A “Well Off Media” video captured him working out under the guidance of Andreu Swasey, Colorado’s strength coach.
In the clip, Swasey could be heard pushing Shilo to perfect his form, saying, “Don’t be in a rush. Remember, like a jet, right? … Don’t be in a rush to just peak. That’s too early. See your feet coming through, so watch your feet coming through. Don’t duck your head too much. Just keep your eyes neutral.”
Coach Prime, ever the proud father, has been candid about Shilo’s journey to the NFL. On the ‘Million Dollaz Worth of Game’ podcast, the Colorado HC talked about the challenges his son will face ahead.
“You know Shilo has a situation where he gotta work his butt off to go where he wants to go in whatever round that is gonna be. But he’s always had it tough. He’s resilient, though. God has always worked with him that way,” Deion said.
Shilo’s draft projection hovers around the later rounds or maybe undrafted territory; his work ethic could make him a hidden gem for teams willing to take a chance. He has had an eventful college football career, having played for South Carolina, Jackson State, and, most recently, the Colorado Buffaloes.
MORE: NFL-Bound Shilo Sanders Reveals Future Project in Collaboration With 6’2″ Colorado Safety
In 2024, he helped lead the Buffs to a 9-3 season and an Alamo Bowl appearance, recording 67 tackles and a forced fumble in his final year. Over his college career, the safety has 184 tackles and six interceptions, including a pick-six, to his name.
However, Shannon Sharpe, a former NFL TE, has raised concerns about Shilo’s potential NFL impact, wondering aloud whether he’s destined to be a mid-to-late-round pick or even an undrafted free agent.