Tom Brady Advises Shedeur Sanders: Use Draft Slip as Motivation

Tom Brady, the legendary NFL quarterback and part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, sent a motivational text to Shedeur Sanders after Sanders fell to the fifth round in the 2025 NFL Draft, being selected 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns. Brady, who was himself a late pick at 199th in the 2000 draft, advised Sanders to focus on what comes after the draft, emphasizing that "Day 2 matters more than the draft" and encouraged him to use the draft slide as motivation. Brady highlighted that success in the NFL depends on performance and growth after being drafted, not the draft position itself, citing other notable players who were late picks or undrafted free agents. Sanders, a former standout quarterback at Colorado Boulder, will compete for significant playing time with the Browns, having finished college as the all-time leader in completion percentage. Despite expectations that Sanders might be selected earlier or by the Raiders due to his connection with Brady, the draft fell differently, but Brady remains optimistic about Sanders' potential and future in the league. This message of perseverance from Brady underscores the unpredictable nature of the draft and the importance of determination and work ethic in an NFL career.