Shilo Sanders at Boulon Brasserie in Tampa, Florida. Screengrab via Shilo Sanders/YouTube" class="uk-display-block uk-position-relative uk-visible-toggle"> click to enlarge Shilo Sanders at Boulon Brasserie in Tampa, Florida. - Screengrab via Shilo Sanders/YouTube
Screengrab via Shilo Sanders/YouTube
Shilo Sanders at Boulon Brasserie in Tampa, Florida.
Shilo Sanders is hungry.
The rookie safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers says he found a new place to take his mom when she comes into town.
The 25-year-old recently kicked off his new YouTube series “Tampa Food Tour” with a brunch trip to Michelin-recommended restaurant The Pearl, before venturing to one of Water Street’s favorite French-inspired restaurants, Boulon Brasserie.
Sanders—who signed a three-year $2.9 million contract with the Tampa Bay Bucs after going undrafted—is spending that money wisely, on expensive food.
Location Details
Image: Boulon Brasserie
Sports Illustrated says Sanders, who is the son of NFL legend and Colorado football Deion Sanders, racked up about $6.5 million during his five-year college career between NIL, endorsements and social media, but in his newest Tampa Food Tour experience he said, "If I got free food from here, that would be the best NIL deal in the world."
Sanders had no care for pacing during his meal either, and wanted the food “as soon as it's done” because he and his cameraman and friend Dom were ready to stuff their faces.
The sparkling-water-loving football star ordered a little bit of everything and had a four-top table covered in plates at one point. But he made sure to include a cup of fruit and a caesar salad—because balance is key.
Sanders was “having a good time with his caesar salad” and his Best of the Bay winning blue crab beignets before having to switch gears to the rest of his brunch order, which included staples like eggs, bacon, hash browns, and a big ol’ plate of french toast he lathered it in butter.
The Boulon regular’s main course was rigatoni with blackened chicken, and while it may sound pretty simple, Sanders' first bite looked almost emotional. Shortly after the plate hit the table, the rookie leaned back in his seat and put his face in his hand in a moment of reflection and said, “Bro, I could eat this everyday.”
He managed to house almost all of the food, but not without a couple breaks. Sanders even compared himself to a boa constrictor, adding “they just eat a little bit, then chill. Look around, talk… then we get back to it.”
After his more or less spiritual journey with the rigatoni, the spoons came out which meant it was time for the “highlight of his brunch.” Dessert.
“This dessert is so good bro. I don't know what's in it. I don't know what they make it with. I don’t even know what it is, but I know one thing: it is very good,” Sanders said.
Lucky for you, I can tell you exactly what it was. He was served chocolate pots of creme topped with marshmallow fluff—so if you’ve ever wondered what accomplished athletes use to fuel here’s your answer.
Sanders performed well in college for five years and was known for his defense against the run (which is something the Bucs could definitely use a little more of).
Clearly Sanders isn't the only one who enjoys Boulon because on the way out—between taking photos and talking to the camera—he ran into an old friend of his dad’s, WWE and Tampa legend, Ric Flair. Flair admitted he didn't recognize Sanders—who was Flair’s self-proclaimed “first Black nephew.”
Sanders gave the dessert a 13/10 and a hefty round of applause before boxing up the rest for later. He also took home the rest of the beignets, but not before offering them to the viewers—unfortunately that's not how YouTube works.
His $130 outing (by my calculations) seemed to be worth it considering the giddy smile Sanders had plastered on his face for the duration of the meal. [embedded content]
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