Tom Brady had a simple but powerful message for Shedeur Sanders, the new Cleveland Browns quarterback, during his unexpected slide in the 2025 NFL Draft. Brady, a close mentor to Sanders, took it upon himself to reach out and offer some perspective on the situation. Sanders, once a projected first-round pick, fell to the fifth round, where the Browns scooped him up at No. 144 overall. Brady, who famously slipped to No. 199 in the 2000 draft, knows a thing or two about defying expectations and using setbacks as motivation.
During an appearance on the “IMPAULSIVE” podcast, Brady shared the text he sent to Sanders. “I texted Shedeur because I know him very well,” Brady said. “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 can speak on it better than me? Use it as motivation, you’re going to get your chances and go take advantage of it.” Brady’s words are a reminder that success in the NFL isn’t determined by where you’re drafted, but by how you perform once you’re given the opportunity.
Shedeur Sanders, who had a standout college career at Colorado under his father, Deion Sanders, is now poised to prove his worth in the NFL. Despite his draft slide, he remains a highly respected talent, and with Brady’s guidance, he’s primed to take advantage of the opportunities ahead. Interestingly, Sanders will be wearing No. 12 with the Browns, the same number Brady wore throughout his legendary career. It’s a symbolic gesture, with Sanders hoping to carry on the tradition of excellence that Brady built in the NFL.
Sanders wore No. 2 in college, but with that number already claimed by Browns wide receiver DeAndre Carter, the rookie quarterback will now carry Brady’s iconic number. Sanders will be entering a crowded quarterback room with the Browns, competing alongside Dillon Gabriel, who will wear No. 5, as well as veterans Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco. It’s a competitive environment, but one that the Browns believe will benefit their team by fostering a sense of healthy competition.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry spoke about the team’s decision to draft Sanders, explaining that it wasn’t necessarily part of the plan going into the draft weekend to select two quarterbacks. “We felt like it wasn’t necessarily the plan going into the weekend to select two quarterbacks,” Berry said. “But as we talk about, we do believe in best player available, we do believe in positional value, and we didn’t necessarily expect him to be available in the fifth round. We love adding competition to every position room and adding him to compete with the guys that are already in there. We felt like that was the appropriate thing to do.”
Sanders’ arrival in Cleveland has created a buzz, but Brady made it clear that he was not involved in any discussions with the Las Vegas Raiders, despite his minority ownership stake in the team. “It’s a good question. I wasn’t a part of any evaluation process to see that,” Brady clarified on “The Art of Dialogue” podcast. While the Raiders were reportedly interested in Sanders, it’s now clear that Sanders will have his shot with the Browns, and he’s eager to prove all the teams that passed on him wrong.
With no promises as a fifth-round pick, Sanders will still have to fight for a spot on the roster. However, the Browns have high expectations for the young quarterback. “We felt good with him as a person,” Berry said. “He works hard. He’s a really good kid. He wants to be great. His teammates loved him in Colorado, and I know he’ll come in here ready to work, ready to try and put his best foot forward in all areas of competition.”
Sanders will officially report for the Browns’ rookie minicamp, set to begin on May 9. This will mark the beginning of his journey in the NFL, and with Brady’s mentorship, there’s no telling how high he could climb. While the road ahead may be challenging, Sanders now has the opportunity to prove that he belongs in the NFL, despite the draft’s uncertainty.
As a fifth-round pick, Sanders faces an uphill battle, but he’s far from the first player to defy the odds and succeed after falling in the draft. Brady himself is the ultimate example of a player who made his mark despite being taken late in the draft. Sanders now has the chance to carve out his own path, taking the lessons of his mentor to heart as he begins his NFL career.
Brady’s message to Sanders is one of resilience and determination, reminding him that the draft is only the beginning of the journey. What truly matters is what happens after the draft, and that’s where players can make their mark. For Shedeur Sanders, his first day with the Browns is just the beginning, and the real challenge will be proving himself worthy of the opportunities ahead.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on Sanders to see if he can rise to the occasion and live up to the expectations of being the next great quarterback in the league. Whether or not he becomes the next Tom Brady, the potential is there for him to be a star, and with Brady’s advice and mentorship, Sanders is in a great position to make a lasting impact on the NFL.