Shedeur Sanders’ Draft Day Slide: Tom Brady Offers Words of Encouragement

Shedeur Sanders, once projected as a potential first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, experienced a stunning fall, ultimately being selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round with the 144th overall pick. This unexpected slide became a dominant storyline of the draft, leaving many to question the factors that contributed to his plummet. The quarterback, son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, now faces the challenge of proving his worth and overcoming the pre-draft narratives that surrounded him.

In the wake of his draft day disappointment, Sanders received a message of support from an unexpected source: legendary quarterback Tom Brady. The seven-time Super Bowl champion reached out to Sanders via text, sharing his own experience as a late-round pick and offering words of encouragement. Sanders revealed the contents of their exchange to the media, stating that Brady drew parallels between their situations. Brady emphasized that his own late-round selection didn’t define his career, and that Sanders should focus on the opportunities ahead.

"That was it, that my story’s going to be similar," Sanders quoted Brady as saying. "I was a late-round draft pick, but we’re here now, so none of that stuff matters. That just mattered on the day, and I’m just excited to be here, ready to work."

Brady further elaborated on his message to Sanders during an appearance on the IMPAULSIVE podcast. He highlighted his own draft position – 199th overall – as a testament to the fact that draft position doesn’t necessarily dictate future success.

"I was [drafted] No. 199 overall," Brady said. "So who can speak on it better than me? Like what that really means. Use it as motivation, you’re going to get your chances and go take advantage of it."

Brady also cited examples of other undrafted or late-round players who went on to have stellar NFL careers, including Rodney Harrison, Julian Edelman, Wes Welker, and Danny Amendola. He emphasized that these players’ success was a result of their dedication, hard work, and ability to seize opportunities when they arose.

Beyond the encouragement from Brady, Sanders is already immersing himself in the Cleveland community. He was recently seen working out with local high school players, demonstrating his commitment to building relationships and contributing to the city. He will also be sporting the No. 12 jersey, a number famously worn by Brady during his time with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

However, the aftermath of Sanders’ draft slide has not been without controversy. A fan is reportedly seeking $100 million in damages, alleging that Sanders’ fall in the draft caused emotional distress and financial harm. The basis for this claim remains unclear, and its legal viability is questionable.

While Sanders’ on-field talent is undeniable, several NFL team executives suggested that off-field factors contributed to his slide. Concerns reportedly centered on the significant involvement of his father, Deion Sanders, and some of the statements he made.

"I think his dad’s involvement hurt him," one executive stated. "Some of the things his dad said, I think that weighed on people’s minds."

Another executive from a quarterback-needy team echoed this sentiment: "We liked Shedeur, but you can’t separate the other stuff from the physical abilities."

These comments suggest that concerns about potential distractions or challenges associated with the Sanders family dynamic may have deterred some teams from selecting him earlier in the draft.

Despite the questions surrounding his draft position, Sanders now has an opportunity to prove his doubters wrong in Cleveland. He enters a quarterback room that includes Kenny Pickett and veteran Joe Flacco. Pickett is currently considered the frontrunner to start Week 1, but Sanders will have the chance to compete for playing time and demonstrate his potential.

The current depth chart lists Pickett as the favorite to start, with Flacco and Sanders vying for the backup role. This competition will be crucial for Sanders’ development, as he will need to showcase his skills and learn from experienced quarterbacks in order to climb the depth chart and ultimately earn a starting role.

Sanders’ journey in the NFL will undoubtedly be closely watched, as he attempts to overcome the circumstances of his draft day slide and establish himself as a successful professional quarterback. With the support of Tom Brady and the opportunity to compete in Cleveland, Sanders has the chance to write his own story and prove that his talent and determination can overcome any pre-draft perceptions. The Browns, in turn, will be hoping that their fifth-round gamble pays off, and that Sanders can become a valuable asset to their team for years to come. Only time will tell if Sanders can replicate Brady’s success as a late-round pick, but his story is already captivating the NFL world.