Shedeur Sanders reflects on Tom Brady phone call after NFL Draft slide: ‘My story’s going to be similar’

“My story’s going to be similar,” Sanders said. “I was a late-round draft pick, but we’re here now. None of that stuff matters. It just mattered on the day. I’m just excited to be here, ready to work.”

Sanders entered the NFL Draft as ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.’s top quarterback prospect on the board. However, five QBs went before him – including Dillon Gabriel, who’s also on the Browns’ roster as a third-round choice.

Tom Brady to Shedeur Sanders: ‘Use it as motivation’

This past season at Colorado, Shedeur Sanders put together a standout year to help lead the Buffaloes’ impressive turnaround. He led the nation with a 74% completion percentage as he totaled 4,134 passing yards and 37 touchdowns.

After Sanders dropped into the fifth round, Brady shared an important message while speaking on the Impaulsive podcast. He encouraged the rookie quarterback to use the slide as motivation as he embarks on his NFL journey.

“I actually texted Shedeur because I know him very well,” Brady said. “I said, dude, whatever happens, 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, what that really means? Use it as motivation. You’re going to get your chances. Go take advantage of it.

“I remember when they were talking about Aaron Rodgers sliding. And Aaron slid to like 21 in the first round or whatever it was. I was like, dude, you’re the 21st pick in the first round. I think they still think you’re pretty good. You’re still a great player. You’re a first-round pick in the NFL. There’s only 32 of those guys every year. So use it as motivation. Wherever you end up going, it’s about your performance. What do you do when you get there?”