Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders received advice from a future Hall of Famer who experienced a similar draft slide, and the guidance appears to be paying off.
Sanders, who was selected in the fifth-round of the 2025 NFL Draft, discussed his conversation Saturday with former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, who was expected to be taken higher in the 2000 draft but ended up as a late-round pick. Sanders believes the two share a common story.
“My story is going to be similar,” Sanders said in a video that was posted on X by ESPN Cleveland’s Justin Cooper. “I was a late‐round draft trick. But we’re here now, so none of that matters. That just mattered on that day, and I’m just excited to be here and ready to work.”
Sanders’ remarks echoed what Brady said he told him. In an episode of the “Impaulsive” podcast released Tuesday, Brady explained why he reached out to Sanders.
“I actually texted Shedeur because I know him very well,” Brady said. “I said, ‘Dude, whatever happens and 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 about what that really means? Use it as motivation. You’re going to get your chances, so go take advantage of them.”
Sanders reportedly performed well during minicamp. Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot said he and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel completed most of their passes, even while throwing primarily to undrafted rookies and tryout players.
“Both Sanders and Gabriel performed well on the field, completing most of their passes even though they were throwing primarily to undrafted rookies and tryout players,” Cabot wrote. “They both picked up the scheme well and made adjustments over the two‐day period. They exhibited good arm strength, sound decision‐making, good footwork on their drop‐backs and sleight of hand on play action.”
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Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com.