Colorado quarterback Shadeur Sanders liked an Instagram post confirming Tom Brady's purchase of a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders .
While it might not seem like a lot, the like continues the relationship between Sanders and Brady - one that now has legitimate roots inside the NFL. Sanders signed the first NIL deal with Brady's clothing/lifestyle brand TB12 back in 2022. The young quarterback has trained with the future Pro Football Hall of Famer since 2020.
Could these minor events mean Sanders is keen to start his NFL career with the silver & black? That's not how the NFL works - players join whichever team selects them and don't get to choose their destination until free agency.
ESPN draft analyst Jason Reid pegged Sanders to be the first pick in a mock draft posted this week, sending the Colorado quarterback to the Cleveland Browns . Sanders' dad and current coach Deion hinted in the spring that his son could potentially pull an "Eli Manning" and force a trade to his preferred destination should he go somewhere undesirable.
“I know where I want them to go,” Sanders said in March on the "Million Dollaz Worth of Game" podcast. “So, it’s certain cities that ain’t gonna happen. It’s going to be an Eli.
"There were certain cities that fit. Atlanta fit, and I want that for my kids. All of them. I want the right fit. [Atlanta] was the first time I saw Black people in positions of authority. It blew my mind. It was real in Atlanta. I had never seen anything like that in my life."
Manning forced a trade after he was selected by the then-San Diego Chargers with the first pick in the 2004 NFL Draft. He would shortly get his wish - he was shipped to the New York Giants. If the season were to end today, the 2-4 Raiders would land the seventh pick in the draft. The team could very easily end up with a top-three selection as they continue to struggle, especially on offense.
Opening day starting quarterback Gardner Minshew was benched last week in favor of 2023 fourth-round pick Aidan O'Connell. The Raiders will most likely be in the market for a quarterback in the 2025 draft.
Brady released a statement earlier this week after becoming a part-owner of the Raiders. "I'm incredibly humbled and excited to have been unanimously approved as an owner of the Las Vegas Raiders," his statement began. "Throughout my NFL career, I've learned that at its core, football is a game of teamwork, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The Raiders franchise, and the city of Las Vegas embody these same values, and I'm honored to become part of that story.
"Football has been part of my entire life growing up in the Bay Area and in so many ways, my football life and journey has come full circle. I love the sport, I love my teammates, coaches, and the fans in every organization I've been part of. Sports brings us together in a way nothing else can. I grew up on the field, and it's a blessing to know I'll be involved in the greatest league in the world for the rest of my life.
"I'm eager to contribute to the organization in any way I can, honoring the Raiders' rich tradition while finding every possible opportunity to improve our offering to fans... and most importantly, WIN football games."
Local News
Comments / 0