Tom Brady Offers Insightful Guidance to Shedeur Sanders Following NFL Draft Setback

Tom Brady Offers Insightful Guidance to Shedeur Sanders Following NFL Draft Setback

Tom Brady recently shared his thoughts on the advice he provided to Shedeur Sanders after the young quarterback faced a significant slide during the NFL Draft. Sanders was ultimately selected in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns, with the 144th overall pick.

Reflecting on his own draft experience, Brady was chosen as the 199th pick in 2000 by the New England Patriots. At the time, the team had Drew Bledsoe as their starting quarterback, with Michael Bishop participating in more games than Brady during his rookie season. John Freisz also took the field in 2000.

Brady’s journey took a pivotal turn when he received an opportunity to start after Bledsoe was injured at the beginning of the 2001 season. His performance was stellar, marking the beginning of an iconic career.

Brady Discusses Sanders’ Draft Experience on Podcast

During a recent appearance on the “Impaulsive” podcast hosted by Logan Paul and Mike Majlak, Brady addressed the circumstances surrounding Sanders’ draft position. Despite being a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, he clarified that he was not part of Sanders’ evaluation process.

Brady criticized the negative narratives that often emerge during the draft period. He emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and offered personalized advice to Sanders.

“So, nobody knows. I actually texted Shedeur because I know him very well,” Brady revealed. “And I said, ‘Dude, whatever happens, wherever you go, that’s your first day. Day 2 matters more than the draft. I was 199. So, who could speak on it better than me – what that really means? Use it as motivation. You’re gonna get your chances, go take advantage of it.’”

The Foundations of a Mentorship

The connection between Brady and Sanders traces back to Sanders’ time as the quarterback at Jackson State, where he signed a Name, Image, and Likeness deal with the Brady Brand. This partnership laid the groundwork for their relationship, which continued to develop when Sanders transferred to Colorado after his father, Deion Sanders, became head coach.

Brady Reflects on Past Draft Disappointments

Brady also recounted the notable case of Aaron Rodgers, who experienced a similar draft fall in 2005. After being projected as a possible first-round pick, Rodgers was ultimately selected 21st overall by the Green Bay Packers. Brady noted that despite this setback, the validation of being a first-round pick was significant, with only 32 players receiving this distinction each year.

“I remember when they were talking about Aaron Rodgers sliding and Aaron slid to like 21 in the first round or whatever it was,” Brady said. “I’m like, ‘Dude, you’re the 21st pick in the first round. I think they still think you’re pretty good. You’re still a great player. You’re still a first-round pick in the NFL. There’s only 32 of those guys every year.’ So, use it as motivation.”

Brady’s perspective on the draft goes beyond mere numbers; it underscores the idea of resilience and the importance of performance, especially after entering the league.

The Importance of Performance Over Perception

Beyond positioning in the draft, Brady emphasized that what truly matters is how a player performs once they join a team. He stated, “Wherever you end up going, it’s still about your performance. Like, what do you do when you get there, because you’re gonna get there.”

Brady also highlighted that many accomplished players he competed with during his tenure in New England were not high draft picks or were undrafted altogether. Figures like Rodney Harrison, Wes Welker, Julian Edelman, and Danny Amendola made significant impacts despite their draft standings.

A Different Perspective on the NFL Draft

He described the draft as an often overhyped event, a day when many individuals sell stories and hype up the selections. While Brady acknowledged the excitement surrounding the day, he stressed that it is on Day 2 where the real work begins. “There’s a lot of growth that needs to happen,” he argued, signifying that learning the playbook and integrating into a locker room are crucial steps for a player’s development.

Sanders’ Path Forward with the Browns

As Shedeur Sanders embarks on his professional football journey, he now faces the challenge of securing the starting quarterback role with the Cleveland Browns. He must outperform established players like Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, and Dillon Gabriel to earn his place.

Brady’s final piece of advice resonated with the qualities expected of a quarterback. He stated, “He has to show up every day because, as a quarterback, you have to be a leader. And to me a leader is, do I care about my teammates and do I care about what we’re trying to accomplish?”

Inspiring Future Generations of Athletes

Tom Brady’s insights offer valuable lessons not only for Shedeur Sanders but also for young athletes everywhere. His emphasis on perseverance, performance, and leadership embodies the spirit of professional sports and serves as a reminder that success can come from unexpected places.

As both Sanders and Brady continue their journeys in football, fans and aspiring athletes alike will watch closely, hoping to witness the evolution of talent amid the high stakes of the NFL.