The 2025 NFL Draft revolved around Shedeur Sanders, a top quarterback prospect whose unexpected slide to the fifth round left fans and analysts alike buzzing. In this day and age of the NFL, where the pressure to perform can lead to scrutiny right off the bat, it’s worth remembering that ultimately, performance on the field is what shapes a player’s legacy—much more than their draft position.
Just look at Tom Brady, a name synonymous with greatness. The legendary quarterback was famously drafted in the sixth round, going No. 199 overall to the New England Patriots back in 2000. The path he traveled from that pick to winning seven Super Bowls and three NFL MVPs is a testament to the notion that draft position is merely a stepping stone, not a definitive gauge of talent. In fact, Brady has taken it upon himself to mentor Shedeur, sharing insights that come from his own incredible journey.
In a recent chat on the IMPAULSIVE podcast, Brady offered encouragement straight from the heart. “I said dude, whatever happens, wherever you go, that’s your first day,” he recalled. “Day 2 matters more than the draft. I was (pick) 199. So who could speak on it better than me? Use it as motivation. You’re gonna get your chances. Go take advantage of it.” These words are not just supportive; they’re laced with the wisdom of experience, reminding Sanders that every player’s path is unique.
Sanders ultimately found a new home with the Cleveland Browns, a team that had once been a frontrunner to pick him. This selection gives him the perfect opportunity to demonstrate that those who doubted him were mistaken. However, it raises an intriguing question: Why did Brady’s Las Vegas Raiders pass on him multiple times during the draft?
Despite being a minority owner of the Raiders, Brady clarified on the podcast that he wasn’t involved in any evaluation process. Yet, Raiders general manager John Spytek noted that Brady was closely engaged with the team throughout the draft. Given that the Raiders chose to select North Dakota State quarterback Cam Miller in the sixth round and opted for seven players before Sanders, it’s curious why they didn’t take a chance on a quarterback who has been described as possessing immense potential.
In the grand scheme of the NFL, the draft is a complex puzzle. Every pick carries implications that ripple through the league, and it often raises eyebrows when teams pass on players who later shine. For now, Shedeur Sanders is determined to chart his own path, and with Brady’s guidance in his corner, fans will be eager to see how this chapter unfolds in his NFL career. The stage has been set, and it’s time for him to shine.
