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The 2025 NFL Draft has wrapped, but the surprising slide of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders to the fifth round remains one of its most discussed storylines.
Touted by many analysts as the second-best quarterback prospect in the class, Sanders instead watched five other signal-callers hear their names called before him - falling all the way to the 144th overall pick.
While the Tennessee Titans selected Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick, Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough, Dillon Gabriel, and Jalen Milroe were all chosen ahead of Sanders, whose fall shocked observers and raised questions about how NFL teams evaluated his performance and potential.
Still, not everyone sees Sanders' draft position as a career-defining judgment. One of the greatest quarterbacks in football history, Tom Brady, reportedly believes that Sanders' slide could serve as the very motivation he needs to become a future star.
Strahan shares Brady's message of inspiration for Sanders
Brady's message was revealed by former NFL defensive end Michael Strahan during an appearance on Good Morning America. Strahan said he and Brady had watched the draft together, and the seven-time Super Bowl champion immediately drew a parallel between his own journey and that of Sanders.
"Shedeur Sanders, I don't think this kid should have dropped to the fifth round. You watch so many quarterbacks without the production he has," Strahan said. "I spent time with Tom Brady this past weekend. We watched the draft. As Tom said, he's an example; it doesn't matter where you're picked. That's more motivation."
Strahan acknowledged that Sanders may have taken a financial hit by sliding to Day 3, but emphasized that it should not impact his long-term outlook.
"Economically, it may have hurt him, but career-wise, it didn't. I think he'll be a great player," he added.
Brady's perspective carries weight. Drafted 199th overall in 2000, Brady defied expectations and turned his underdog status into a historic 20-plus-year career, earning seven Super Bowl titles, six All-Pro selections, and 15 Pro Bowl appearances. He remains the gold standard for late-round success stories in NFL history.