Being the son of Deion Sanders, Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders was never out of advice from some of the best in the game. Several NFL greats played their hand in refining Sanders at the position but there’s only one legend Shedeur takes after.
Shedeur Sanders Reveals Tom Brady the Inspiration for His Gamestyle
As one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation entering the 2025 NFL draft, Sanders continues to refine his craft in pursuit of greatness. But when it comes to shaping his game, Sanders looks to none other than seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady.
At the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Sanders was asked to name one quarterback he has modeled his game after. Sanders didn’t hesitate and straight forwardly put Brady’s name forward.
“Tom Brady,” Shedeur said. “I’m able to see what he has done and mentally how he was able to beat people with his mind. Physically, that’s why he was able to play as long as he did,” Sanders explained.
“I see what he’s doing. Okay, I add this, this, and this to my game, and that’s why I know I’m not at my best yet. I’m nowhere near where I need to be, where I want to be, or where I desire to be because there are certain things you have to work on in the offseason. You have to grow, and you have to be able to indulge in one step at a time.”
Like Brady, even Sanders is more of a thrower than a rusher. In 2024, Sanders completed 353 of 477 passes (74.0% efficiency) for 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Meanwhile, on the ground, Sanders put up -50 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
Chances of Tom Brady’s Las Vegas Raiders To Draft Shedeur Sanders
The Raiders, who hold the No. 6 overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL draft, will have to rely on the other top pick-holding teams to let Shedeur fall in their laps. Sanders is seen as one of the top two quarterbacks entering his draft alongside Miami’s Cam Ward, who is expected to be the first QB off the draft board.
Minority owner Tom Brady’s Raiders can, of course, trade up if they are genuinely interested in securing Sanders.
When the quarterback was asked whether he would like playing for the Raiders, he hinted in positive, citing his relationship with Brady.
“I met with [the Raiders] here; I met with a lot of teams here,” Sanders said. “It’s truly exciting, being able to meet Coach [Carroll] and everybody with the organization and staff. So, if they call me and they say, “Come on and visit,” you know I’ll be there.'”
“Tom Brady, he’s an all-time great,” Sanders said. “Being able to have that resource, being able to have that person I’m able to talk to and call whenever I’m having questions about the game, he’s able to relate to it because he did it at the highest level. It’s truly amazing. I’m thankful for that.”
Brady and Sanders can do something special and only time will tell if the Raiders are the team that eventually drafts the Colorado standout.