During the Cleveland Browns’ rookie minicamp, Shedeur Sanders confidently declared that his NFL journey would echo Tom Brady’s. Drafted 144th overall in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders acknowledged his low selection but dismissed its importance and explained his excitement to prove himself.
Brady, who famously rose from the 199th pick to become a seven-time Super Bowl champion, has served as a mentor to Sanders.
"My story is going to be similar," Sanders said. "You know, I was a late-round draft pick, but we're here now. So none of that stuff matters as it mattered on the day. I'm just excited to be here and ready to work."
Despite starting behind fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel in early drills, Sanders impressed on Friday with sharp throws and two touchdowns in 7-on-7 scrimmages. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski downplayed the current quarterback order, hinting that roles could shift.
Brady had a message for Sanders during his historic slide in the 2025 NFL Draft. After going from a projected first-rounder to a Day 3 prospect, 'Grown' will use the moment of rejection for motivation to be great.
"I actually texted Shedeur," Brady said in an appearance on Jake Paul's "IMPAULSIVE" podcast. "I said, 'Dude, like whatever happens, wherever you go, that's your first day. Day 2 matters more than the draft.' I was 199. 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, go take advantage of it."
Brady has not only mentored Sanders during his career, but the two have a business relationship. One of Shedeur's first NIL deals came from the brand of the legendary passer. Brady has been in Sanders' shoes and knows how to rise about the noise. He was the seventh quarterback selected in the 2000 draft. The New England Patriots selected him in the sixth round, and the future Hall of Famer went on to win seven Super Bowls with three NFL's MVP awards.
"Wherever you end up going, it's about your performance," Brady added. "What do you do when you get there? Because you're going to get there. I was around some of the best players who were undrafted free agents. They were Rodney Harrison. (He) wasn't a high pick. Julian Edelman wasn't a high pick. Wes Welker wasn't a high pick. Danny Amendola. All those guys were phenomenal players.
"So what's it matter than some overhyped day where a lot of people are selling stories and saying, "Alright this is the big day and this is the draft and it's an important day and it's fun and I love you know watching it and seeing it but I've also been there on Day 2 when they have to show up and actually learn a playbook, be a part of a locker room. There's a lot of growth that has to happen."
There was some thought the Las Vegas Raiders might select Sanders because of his relationship with Brady, who is a minority owner. Also, Deion Sanders has a relationship with Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and new head coach Pete Carroll. However, Brady said he wasn't part of any evaluation process for Sanders.
Sanders comes into Cleveland wearing No. 12 for the first time in his career. He said it was a nod to his mentor. With veteran QBs like Deshaun Watson, Kenny Pickett, and Joe Flacco on the roster, Sanders faces stiff competition. Still, his early performance and confident mindset signal he’s ready to compete and potentially surpass expectations in Cleveland’s bid to return to the playoffs.
