One of the core tenets for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the last few years has been embracing the chip on everyone's shoulder. Even Tom Brady, the greatest quarterback of all-time, leaned into that when he arrived in Tampa back in 2020 amid claims that he was washed.
We all saw what happened after that, as Brady once again proved the doubters wrong and won a Super Bowl in his first year with the Bucs. He made a legendary career out of overcoming the naysayers, which is advice he directly gave Shedeur Sanders but is something his brother Shilo should listen to as well.
During a recent podcast appearance Brady said that he texted Sanders in the middle of his historic slide down the draft with some important advice.
"I actually texted Shedeur," Brady admitted. “I said 'dude, whatever happens and wherever you go, that's your first day. Day 2 matters more than the draft. I was No. 199. So who can speak on it better than me? Use it as motivation. You’re gonna get your chances. Go take advantage of it.”
Tom Brady's advice to Shedeur Sanders should also resonate with Shilo
He means that Sanders' first day isn't his last; getting drafted is the start of the journey and all that matters is what happens afterward. The mythology of Brady revolves around the fact that he was so overlooked in the draft, and while becoming the GOAT is a lofty goal, the vibes of the advice should resonate.
Shedeur isn't the only member of the Sanders family who should heed the words Brady is preaching.
Shilo Sanders slid even further than the fifth round, eventually ending up with the Buccaneers as part of the team's undrafted free agent haul. The same motivation tactics Brady is saying Shedeur should use apply to Shilo as well, and he'd be wise to use them.
There's a wide open lane for Shilo to make Tampa Bay's final roster, either outright as part of the safety room or as a special teamer. The Bucs have been thin at safety for a few years which bodes well for Sanders to snag a roster spot if he impresses during offseason camps.
Something else working in his favor is the fact that the Bucs have had success with UDFAs in recent years. Kaeveon Merriweather might be in direct competition with Sanders for a roster spot while guys like Christian Izien and Sean Tucker have gone from undrafted players to playing meaingful roles at key moments in games.
Nobody is expecting Shilo or Shedeur to become Tom Brady, but the point is that what happened during the draft won't define their careers. It's what happens now that matter, and the blueprint is there for both brothers to have success.
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