Shedeur Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, experienced a surprising slide in the 2025 NFL Draft, falling to the fifth round where the Cleveland Browns picked him 144th overall. This unexpected drop echoes the story of one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history—Tom Brady. Sanders isn’t shying away from that comparison.
He’s chosen to wear jersey No. 12, the same number Brady wore throughout his legendary career, sending a bold message about the legacy he’s chasing. Brady even reached out to Sanders after the draft, encouraging him to stay focused and use the snub as fuel.
Many are interpreting it as a quiet nod to Brady. Despite the minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders being rumored to have expressed hesitation about the young QB, which may have contributed to Sanders’ slide into the fifth round.
But as the draft unfolded and his name went uncalled, speculation grew that he could fall completely out of contention. Even the Browns themselves passed on Sanders earlier. Selecting Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel with the 94th overall pick in the third round.
Shedeur Sanders Mirrors Brady — But Will He Emulate?
It wouldn’t be the first time a future star emerged from the later rounds. Tom Brady fell to pick No. 199 in the 2000 NFL Draft before the New England Patriots took a chance on him.
Initially overlooked, he famously seized his opportunity alongside Bill Belichick, crafting one of the most decorated careers in league history: 7 Super Bowl titles, 5 Super Bowl MVPs, 3 league MVPs, over 89,000 passing yards, and 649 touchdowns.
Brady’s journey proves that draft position isn’t destiny. it’s about what you do once the door opens. And Sanders seems to understand that. Whether he can emulate his idol’s success remains to be seen, but by adopting Brady’s number, he’s clearly aiming high.
Sanders now faces a crowded QB room in Cleveland, where he’ll compete with Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. Despite the odds, Sanders remains committed to carving out a role and growing under pressure. His time at Colorado showcased talent, toughness, and room for development. Particularly in reducing sacks—he took 94 in his final two seasons.
Even after selecting another quarterback earlier in the draft. The Browns doubled down by picking Sanders, a sign they see something special. With guidance and grit, he might just live up to that No. 12. Do you think he will?
Related: Ranking the 30 Most Likeable NFL Quarterbacks of All Time
