In 2000, Tom Brady was drafted by the New England Patriots as the 199th overall pick in the sixth round of the NFL Draft. Twenty-five years later, the seven-time Super Bowl champion is weighing in on one of this year’s most talked-about prospects: new Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Sanders’ path to the NFL was far from smooth. Despite receiving prank calls from people claiming he had been selected by other teams, the former Colorado standout ultimately saw his dream come true when the Browns drafted him. It’s a journey Brady can relate to, having once been a late-round pick himself in the 2000 NFL Draft.
During an appearance on Good Morning America, former New York Giants star Michael Strahan shared what Brady had to say about Sanders being selected in the fifth round. Strahan revealed that he watched the draft alongside Brady and recounted the quarterback’s reaction in real time.
“I spent time with Tom Brady this past weekend and we watched the draft. As Tom said, ‘He’s an example that it doesn’t matter when you’re picked,’” Strahan recalled, highlighting Brady’s message about Sanders after the Browns made their selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Strahan shares strong support for Shedeur Sanders after NFL Draft
As the Browns prepare for the upcoming season, Sanders is gearing up to make his mark. Meanwhile, Strahan weighed in on Sanders’ surprising fall in the NFL Draft. Although he acknowledged that late picks have succeeded before, citing Brady, Strahan emphasized that a player with Sanders’ talent should not have been overlooked.
“I don’t think this kid should’ve dropped to the fifth round, and I hate when you have unnamed sources. If you’re going to say something that bad to disparage a kid, put your name on it first of all,” Strahan said in defense of Sanders.
Strahan continued: “You watch so many quarterbacks who didn’t have anywhere near the production he had. It’s about numbers when it comes to quarterbacks. Economically, this may have hurt Shedeur Sanders, but opportunity-wise it didn’t, because he’s on a team where I think he has a good shot at making a difference. And I think the kid is going to be a great player. I think the Browns did a good thing, and they’re going to enjoy it.”
Brady shares hilarious throwback photo before 2019 NFL Draft
Leading up to the 2019 NFL Draft, Brady posted a throwback photo of himself from before the 2000 NFL Draft, where he famously fell to pick No. 199. Reflecting on that pivotal moment, Brady added a touch of humor in his message to fans on social media.
“19 years ago today, the Patriots took a chance on the guy in this photo: Me (199). Thank you to EVERYONE who’s helped me prove them right! Also, did they stop taking these photos after mine?” Brady joked.
SURVEY Will Sanders prove that draft position doesn’t define NFL success?
Will Sanders prove that draft position doesn’t define NFL success?
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