Tom Brady’s Recommendation to Shedeur Sanders After 2025 NFL Draft Slide
Might 7, 2025 – Shedeur Sanders, as soon as projected as a top-five decide, skilled a dramatic slide to the fifth spherical of the 2025 NFL Draft, chosen by the Cleveland Browns at No. 144 general. Tom Brady, a seven-time Tremendous Bowl champion and mentor to Sanders, provided pointed recommendation each earlier than and after the draft, drawing from his personal expertise as a sixth-round decide (No. 199) in 2000. Beneath is a abstract of Brady’s steering, primarily based on public statements and media reviews.
Pre-Draft Recommendation: Concentrate on Movie Research
In a September 2023 episode of Brady’s Let’s Go! podcast, Sanders and his father, Deion Sanders, mentioned Shedeur’s possession of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Deion requested Brady if a university athlete wanted such a luxurious automobile, prompting a candid response: “I feel he must get his a** within the movie room and spend as a lot time in there as attainable and fewer time within the automobile,” Brady stated with a smile. This recommendation, resurfaced post-draft, emphasised self-discipline and preparation over materials distractions, reflecting Brady’s perception that Sanders’ work ethic would outline his NFL success. Brady additionally praised Sanders’ potential, noting on the podcast that his progress relied on surrounding himself with robust mentors, a task Brady has partially crammed since coaching with him in 2020.
Submit-Draft Encouragement: Use the Slide as Motivation
After Sanders’ draft slide, Brady reached out immediately through textual content, sharing phrases of encouragement throughout an look on Logan Paul’s IMPAULSIVE podcast on Might 7, 2025. “I really texted Shedeur as a result of I do know him very properly,” Brady stated. “And I stated, ‘Dude, no matter occurs, wherever you go, that’s your first day. Day 2 issues greater than the draft. I used to be [pick number] 199. So who might communicate on it higher than me, like, what that actually means? Use it as motivation. You’re gonna get your probabilities. Go benefit from it.’”
Brady bolstered this message by means of Michael Strahan, who watched the draft with him. On Good Morning America on April 28, 2025, Strahan relayed Brady’s perspective: “As Tom stated, he’s an instance, it doesn’t matter if you’re picked.” Brady highlighted that many profitable gamers, like Rodney Harrison, Julian Edelman, Wes Welker, and Danny Amendola, have been late picks or undrafted, emphasizing efficiency over draft place. Strahan famous Sanders’ alternative with the Browns, regardless of a crowded quarterback room together with Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel, suggesting Brady believed Sanders might seize his likelihood.
Context and Affect
Sanders’ slide was attributed to poor pre-draft interviews, perceived conceitedness, and attainable staff issues about his father’s affect, although Brady averted commenting on these elements. His recommendation targeted on resilience, drawing parallels to his personal profession, the place being missed fueled a Corridor of Fame trajectory. Brady additionally addressed hypothesis about his function within the Las Vegas Raiders passing on Sanders seven instances, denying important affect as a minority proprietor: “I wasn’t a part of any analysis course of… That’s the issue with media, is everybody can simply say regardless of the f**ok they need.” This refuted claims by Skip Bayless, who recommended Brady suggested in opposition to drafting Sanders.
Skeptical Perspective
Brady’s recommendation, whereas motivational, could oversimplify Sanders’ challenges. The fifth-round monetary hit—roughly $13 million lower than a first-round contract—provides strain, and Cleveland’s crowded quarterback depth chart poses a steep climb. Brady’s personal success as a late decide is an outlier, not a blueprint, and Sanders’ high-profile persona could complicate locker room dynamics. Critics may argue Brady’s pre-draft name for movie research implicitly critiqued Sanders’ preparation, although Sanders’ faculty stats (4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns in 2024) counsel robust on-field readiness. Brady’s mentorship provides credibility, however its influence will depend on Sanders translating recommendation into motion beneath intense scrutiny.
Tom Brady’s recommendation to Shedeur Sanders combines powerful love and optimism: prioritize preparation over flash, as urged in 2023, and channel draft disappointment into motivation, as texted post-draft. Rooted in Brady’s personal journey from decide 199 to NFL legend, the steering encourages Sanders to deal with efficiency in Cleveland, the place alternative awaits regardless of obstacles. As Sanders navigates a difficult rookie season, Brady’s phrases function each a blueprint and a reminder of the work forward.
