As the 2025 NFL Draft concludes, the remaining prospects eagerly await a call that could launch their professional careers. Among them is Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, whose presence in these later rounds has surprised many.
Sanders’ unexpected drop from consideration in earlier rounds – compounded by several quarterbacks being selected on Friday night – sparked reflection within the football community.
Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre, famously drafted 33rd overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 1991, shared a poignant reminder for Sanders and all players still hoping to be chosen. He posted images from his own draft day on X, accompanied by this message:
“Heck I didn’t care when I got drafted, I just wanted a team to give me a chance wherever I went. It’s what you do when your # is called that matters, not when you were taken.”
Favre’s own journey to stardom was far from straightforward. The Falcons’ coach at the time, Jerry Glanville, reportedly disapproved of drafting Favre, even suggesting it would require an unlikely event for him to see playing time.
Initially, Favre struggled, appearing in only two games and throwing an interception returned for a touchdown in his first attempt during Week 11 against Washington. He further emphasized his initial situation on X: “On top of that, the team that drafted me didn’t even want me.”
His fortunes changed when the Green Bay Packers saw potential in him, a decision made by GM Ron Wolf that proved remarkably prescient.
The rest is history. Favre went on to achieve remarkable success: winning a Super Bowl, earning three MVP awards, and being selected for 11 Pro Bowls throughout his illustrious 20-year career.
Sanders, like many aspiring quarterbacks, undoubtedly aspires to such heights. However, his path to the NFL will begin much later than initially anticipated.
The surprising fall of Sanders—a player once considered a potential first overall pick at the close of the college season—has left analysts and fans alike questioning how the draft unfolded.
Now, Sanders faces a familiar challenge shared by quarterbacks like Dak Prescott, Tom Brady, and Kirk Cousins – all late-round selections who went on to achieve considerable success. The key will be demonstrating resilience and seizing opportunities when his name is finally called.