The last name Sanders has become quite popular in the NFL these days.
There are actually four rookies in the league with that last name, including the Cleveland Browns' hyped-up QB, Shedeur Sanders.
The first notable Sanders in the league, of course, was Shedeur's father, Deion, who was a Hall of Famer cornerback and return man.
But in addition to the rookie Sanders this season, the Carolina Panthers have a Sanders who has been in the league for a couple years.
That's Ja'Tavion Sanders, a big target at tight end.
MORE: Why the Panthers traded Christian McCaffrey to the 49ers
Is Ja'Tavion Sanders related to Shedeur, Deion?
No, Ja'Tavion Sanders isn't related to Deion or Shedeur Sanders.
Sanders' mother is named Jennifer Smith. She supports her children with an active account on X.
Happy Birthday Son! @Jatavionsanders https://t.co/w6p14eujgc
— Jennifer Smith (@MotherJennifer) March 27, 2025
In a TikTok video from 2023, Sanders said, "I just see my mom, my dad is like my role models. I see how hard they worked to give me what I wanted."
Sanders is from Texas, where he attended Ryan High School and then played at for the Longhorns.
The Panthers took him in the fourth round (101 overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft.
He enters Monday Night Football with 57 career catches for 512 yards in 24 games.
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