NFL reporter Dov Kleiman is facing heat from fans after a social media post about Deion Sanders and the signing of his son, Shilo Sanders, by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent. What was supposed to be a feel-good story quickly turned controversial when Kleiman’s tone was seen as dismissive of Deion’s heartfelt gratitude.
Dov Kleiman Faces Backlash Over Deion Sanders Comment
Shilo Sanders, a 6-foot, 195-pound safety with a reputation as a hard-hitting, instinctive defender, went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft but signed shortly afterward with Tampa Bay. While his road to making the final roster will be tough, his college production and physical style of play have drawn comparisons to NFL veteran Adrian Phillips, who went undrafted in 2014 before earning All-Pro honors.
But Kleiman’s post, which framed Deion’s personal call to Bucs head coach Todd Bowles as unnecessary or self-serving, struck a nerve online. In the post, Kleiman appeared to imply that Bowles only signed Shilo as a favor to Deion, despite direct quotes from Bowles stating otherwise.
The side of Deion Sanders the media won’t show you…
Coach Prime only wants the best for his kids and is often criticized by the public and media for no apparent reason.
👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/1w6xtkwmOX
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 30, 2025
As Kleiman’s post circulated, fans responded swiftly. “Yeah, unfollowing,” one user wrote,
Yeah unfollowing
— clipsin4 (@uno_dos_in4) April 30, 2025
while another added, “Dov you have a mental health problem”
Dov you have a mental health problem
— Emilio Lizardo (@ElectClayDavis) April 30, 2025
Many came to Deion’s defense, pointing out that his gratitude toward Bowles wasn’t out of line, it was simply a father thanking someone for believing in his child.
Others questioned why Kleiman would take issue with Deion’s involvement, especially when NFL parents regularly advocate for their sons behind the scenes.
Beyond the drama, Shilo Sanders has a real opportunity to prove himself in Tampa Bay. He played 52 games in college, racking up 217 tackles, 6 interceptions, 7 forced fumbles, and 13 passes defended. His final season at Colorado saw him tally 67 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a forced fumble, showcasing both durability and playmaking ability.
At his Colorado Pro Day, Sanders reportedly clocked a 4.52 40-yard dash, further supporting his case as a versatile, physical safety who could make an early impact on special teams.
While the journey from undrafted free agent to NFL contributor is steep, Shilo’s high football IQ and aggressive play style could earn him a role, and perhaps silence some of the noise surrounding his signing.
KEEP READING: Coach Prime Adds Former 5-Star WR Hykeem Williams to Colorado Football Through Transfer Porta
As for the backlash? Dov Kleiman might want to tread more carefully next time. In an NFL landscape filled with heartwarming stories, fans clearly didn’t appreciate seeing this one turned sour.
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