

Shilo Sanders may be donning a Tampa Bay Buccaneers jersey now, but his heart clearly remains in Colorado. In a video recently shared to Instagram by defensive lineman Tawfiq Thomas, the current Buffs could be seen flashing their wrists proudly, each one sporting a new Apple Watch gifted to them by Shilo Sanders himself.
“Apple Watch after workout. Yes sir, Shilo! Yes sir, Shilo!” Thomas shouted, beaming with pride.
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Other players joined in, mimicking “The Shedeur” hand gesture, a tribute to Shilo’s younger brother and Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
More than just gifts
On the surface, it’s a viral social media moment. But at its core, Shilo‘s move represents a powerful message that even in the NFL, he’s still investing in the Colorado culture he helped build.
Shilo the leader
During his time in Boulder, Shilo was a vocal, visible leader who galvanized the defense and actively recruited new talent. He even invited prospective players to message him directly about joining the program.
This latest gesture shows his leadership hasn’t faded. For current Buffs grinding through long practices and offseason workouts, the surprise from Shilo serves as both recognition and motivation. It’s a tangible reminder that hard work at Colorado gets noticed, even by those who’ve moved on to the highest level of football.
In an age where NIL deals dominate headlines and the transfer portal churns rosters every year, moments like these are rare. They’re also crucial. Culture doesn’t come from facilities or endorsements.
And Sanders‘ decision to gift Apple Watches to his former teammates is a cultural deposit: a statement that the Colorado brotherhood doesn’t end with graduation or the NFL Draft.
These gestures can also play a major role in recruiting. For potential student-athletes, seeing former Buffs give back in such a personal way illustrates that Colorado offers more than just exposure or individual branding. It shows there’s a real community being built-a legacy that players want to remain part of, even after leaving campus.
Shilo earned his Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership during his time at CU, and this recent show of appreciation to his teammates reflects that growth.
This news was originally published on this post .
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