Tom Brady encourages Shedeur Sanders after draft slide

In the United States, Tom Brady provided words of encouragement to rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders following a surprising drop in the NFL Draft. Initially predicted to be a first or second-round pick, Sanders fell to the fifth round, being selected 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns. Brady, who himself was famously drafted in the sixth round at pick 199, reached out to Sanders, reminding him that the draft is only the beginning of their professional careers. Brady's text underscored the importance of performance and determination as Sanders embarks on his journey with the Browns. Brady shared his experience as he spoke on the 'Impaulsive' podcast, highlighting that many successful players, including himself and Aaron Rodgers, were also underestimated after being drafted later than anticipated. He urged Sanders to take motivation from his experience and focus on his first day as a professional. Brady emphasized that beyond the draft, what truly matters is how players show up to learn the playbook, build into the locker room, and continue to grow as athletes. This advice comes in light of the growing scrutiny surrounding Sanders’ draft slide, which caught many off guard. The media coverage surrounding the draft often focuses on narratives and expectations rather than the athletes' personal journeys and the hard work they must put in once drafted. Brady’s insights offered Sanders a broader perspective on the significance of perseverance and the ability to overcome adversity. As Sanders prepares to wear the number 12 jersey for the Browns, mirroring Brady’s iconic number, he must now channel both the support and understanding from Brady into his work ethic moving forward. Encouraged by one of the greats in football, Sanders is now ready to prove himself in the professional arena.