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Tom Brady Sends Clear Message to Shedeur Sanders Before NFL Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mark Phelps | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 4:34 PM ET

Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is participating in the second week of OTAs with the Cleveland Browns. By all accounts, he’s earning praise within the organization for his attitude, preparation, and quick progress during offseason workouts.

Sanders, a standout at Colorado during his college career, was selected by the Browns in the fifth round with the No. 144 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The pick ended a surprising slide for Sanders, whom many NFL analysts had ranked as the second-best quarterback in the class and a potential top-five selection.

If anyone understands how to succeed in the NFL after being drafted late in the draft, it's Tom Brady. Selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft, the future Hall of Famer went on to win seven Super Bowls and earn NFL MVP honors three times.

When asked if he had any advice for Sanders, Brady offered this response.

"Regardless of where you're picked, everyone's got the opportunity to be their best and show up, and I think the great thing about the NFL is it's such a meritocracy," Brady said. "If you play well, you're going to get the opportunities to get a chance to go out there on the field and play and perform well. And I know he'll be ready for that moment whenever it happens. I'm very excited to watch him get out there."

Brady added that he is proud of the 2024 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.

"I've known him a long time and am proud of the young man that he is," Brady went on to say. "I know he'll take advantage of whatever opportunities come his way."

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Sanders is competing with three other Cleveland quarterbacks, including third-round draft pick Dillon Gabriel, Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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