One of, if not the, biggest story coming out of the 2025 NFL Draft was the slide of Shedeur Sanders. Multiple teams were pegged as potential locations for the rookie quarterback in the first round itself. One such name was the Las Vegas Raiders, whose new minority owner, Tom Brady, had direct connections to the youngster.
But, through five rounds, Brady and the Raiders did not budge once. Instead, Sanders was taken with the 144th overall pick in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns. However, in a recent podcast appearance, the NFL’s GOAT cleared the air on the situation, while also offering the Colorado star some sage advice.
Tom Brady Was in Contact With Shedeur Sanders After the Draft
Sanders clearly saw Brady as an inspiration and a mentor. The two were reportedly close, and the youngster even chose to wear the number 12 on the Browns as an ode to the legend. As a result, many believed that Las Vegas specifically not selecting him might have been a shock.
During an appearance on the IMPAULSIVE podcast with YouTuber and WWE superstar Logan Paul, Brady revealed that the two had been in constant communication, even after the draft.
“I actually texted Shedeur because I know him very well. 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?”
Rather than sulk about his current situation, the seven-time Super Bowl Champion wanted Sanders to learn from the situation and use it as fuel for his career.
“Use it as motivation. You’re gonna get your chances, just go take advantage of it.” Rather than keep it just to himself, he drew a comparison to another all-time great – Aaron Rodgers, who slid to the 21st pick himself after first overall potential.
Tom Brady (the goat) gives Shedeur Sanders (his protégé) AKA (baby goat) some advice… pic.twitter.com/vsvA132RAi
— theteflondon (@theteflondon13) May 6, 2025
But the key message was the same. “Use it as motivation. Wherever you end up going, it’s still about your performance. Like, what do you do when you get there? ‘Cause you’re gonna get there.”
Drawing examples from his career and some of his most legendary teammates, Brady noted them down. “Rodney Harrison wasn’t a high pick, Julian Edelman wasn’t a high pick, Wes Welker wasn’t a high pick. What does it matter? Other than some overhyped day where a lot of people are selling stories?”
In the end, he parted with some advice for how the new rookie in Cleveland could find success on the team. “He’s got to show up every day. What I say about leadership, 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?’ Rules 1 and 2, and I’ll say that to every quarterback I ever come across, and if they’re listening, do that. Because that’s what’s going to appeal to your teammates.”