Tom Brady shares his advice for Shedeur Sanders after draft slide
Context:
Tom Brady offered Shedeur Sanders advice after Sanders fell to the fifth round in the NFL Draft, ultimately being picked by the Cleveland Browns at 144th. Drawing from his own experience as the 199th pick in 2000, Brady emphasized the importance of using the draft position as motivation and focusing on performance from the second day forward. Brady shared his perspective on the media's narrative surrounding the draft, highlighting that many successful players were not high draft picks. Sanders, who had a previous NIL deal with Brady's brand, must now compete for the starting quarterback position against other seasoned players. Brady concluded by stressing the importance of leadership and daily commitment in Sanders' new role with the Browns.
Dive Deeper:
Tom Brady, reflecting on his own low draft pick, advised Shedeur Sanders to use his fall in the draft as motivation to excel in his professional career. Despite being picked 199th, Brady went on to have a legendary career, which he used as a reference for Sanders.
Sanders was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 144th pick in the NFL draft, after sliding to the fifth round, and now must compete for the starting quarterback position against players like Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco.
Brady criticized the media's portrayal of the draft and emphasized that many great NFL players, such as Rodney Harrison and Wes Welker, were not high draft picks. He pointed out that the draft is often overhyped and the real test begins when players have to prove themselves on the field.
Brady's connection with Sanders began with an NIL deal when Sanders played at Jackson State, further solidified when Sanders transferred to Colorado where his father, Deion Sanders, became head coach.
In a podcast appearance, Brady shared that he was not involved in Sanders' evaluation process despite his minority ownership in the Las Vegas Raiders, and he encouraged Sanders to focus on his performance and leadership in his new NFL role.
Brady reminisced about Aaron Rodgers' draft narrative, emphasizing that despite Rodgers being picked 21st, he was still a first-round pick, and it was his subsequent performance that defined his career.
Brady concluded by advising Sanders to demonstrate leadership, care for teammates, and focus on team goals to succeed in his role with the Browns, highlighting that true leadership is shown through daily actions and commitment.