Tom Brady Draft Pick: The Untold Story Of How A 199th Pick Became The Greatest QB Of All Time

louisamayalcott

12 Apr, 2025

When it comes to NFL legends, Tom Brady stands tall as the ultimate underdog turned superstar. The man who was selected as the 199th overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft has rewritten the history books, proving that talent isn't always about where you're drafted but what you do with the opportunity. This is the story of how Tom Brady, a sixth-round pick, became a household name and the face of football greatness.

Now, you might be thinking, "How does someone drafted so late end up with seven Super Bowl rings?" Well, buckle up, because this journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Tom Brady’s draft day wasn’t exactly a red carpet moment, but it set the stage for one of the most inspiring careers in sports history.

Before we dive deep into the details, let’s set the scene. In 2000, Tom Brady was just another college quarterback hoping to hear his name called on draft day. But unlike some of the other prospects, his name wasn’t lighting up the screens early in the draft. Instead, it took until the sixth round for the New England Patriots to take a chance on him. And boy, did they hit the jackpot!

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Tom Brady's Draft Day: A Journey to the 199th Pick

Let’s rewind to April 15, 2000, when the NFL Draft unfolded. Tom Brady, a quarterback from the University of Michigan, wasn’t exactly at the top of everyone’s draft board. In fact, he wasn’t even the first quarterback taken from his own team. But sometimes, the best stories start with a little uncertainty.

As the draft progressed, Brady watched as player after player got selected ahead of him. Quarterbacks like Chad Pennington and Cade McNown were picked in earlier rounds, leaving Brady wondering if his dream of playing in the NFL would come true. But then, in the sixth round, the New England Patriots made their move, selecting Brady with the 199th overall pick.

Here’s the kicker: Brady wasn’t even the only Michigan quarterback drafted that year. Drew Henson, his teammate, was selected much earlier. But as we all know now, it’s not about where you start; it’s about where you finish. And Tom Brady’s finish line? Seven Super Bowl rings and a legacy that will never be forgotten.

Biography: The Early Life of Tom Brady

Before he became the greatest quarterback of all time, Tom Brady was just a kid growing up in San Mateo, California. His journey to the NFL wasn’t a straight line, but it was filled with passion, hard work, and a little bit of luck.

Early Years and High School

Tom Brady was born on August 3, 1977, in San Mateo, California. From a young age, he showed a love for sports, particularly football. In high school, Brady played quarterback for Junipero Serra High School, where he quickly became a standout player. Despite his talent, he wasn’t heavily recruited by college programs, which made his eventual success all the more remarkable.

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College Career at Michigan

After high school, Brady headed to the University of Michigan, where he faced stiff competition for the starting quarterback position. He didn’t start right away, but his perseverance paid off when he became the starting QB in his junior year. Although he didn’t set the world on fire with record-breaking stats, he showed enough potential to catch the eye of NFL scouts.

Key Stats and Achievements

Here’s a quick look at some of Tom Brady’s key stats and achievements during his college career:

Started 22 games during his college career
Completed 336 of 611 passes for 4,405 yards
Threw for 29 touchdowns and 16 interceptions
Won the 1997 Citrus Bowl and the 1998 Outback Bowl

The Draft Process: Why Was Tom Brady Overlooked?

When you look at Tom Brady’s stats today, it’s hard to believe that he was overlooked in the draft. But back in 2000, there were several reasons why scouts didn’t see the potential that we now know he possessed.

Physical Attributes

At 6'4" and 215 pounds, Brady wasn’t exactly considered a physical specimen compared to some of the other quarterbacks in the draft. His arm strength wasn’t off the charts, and his athleticism wasn’t considered elite. But what Brady lacked in physical attributes, he more than made up for with his football IQ and work ethic.

Competition at Michigan

Another factor that may have contributed to Brady being overlooked was the competition he faced at Michigan. Drew Henson, his teammate, was seen as a more promising prospect by many scouts. Henson was selected in the third round of the same draft, far ahead of Brady.

Why the Patriots Chose Tom Brady

So, why did the New England Patriots take a chance on Tom Brady when so many other teams passed on him? It turns out that the Patriots saw something special in Brady that others missed.

Scott Pioli, the Patriots’ personnel executive at the time, later revealed that Brady stood out in interviews for his intelligence, leadership, and competitiveness. The Patriots also believed that Brady had the potential to develop into a solid NFL quarterback, even if he wasn’t ready to start right away.

Bill Belichick, the Patriots’ head coach, has often credited his team’s success to their ability to find undervalued talent. And in Tom Brady, they found a diamond in the rough who would go on to redefine the quarterback position.

The Impact of Being a Sixth-Round Pick

Being drafted in the sixth round could have been a blow to some players’ confidence, but not Tom Brady. Instead, he used it as motivation to prove everyone wrong. Here’s how being a late-round pick shaped his career:

Developed a chip on his shoulder, fueling his drive to succeed
Learned from veteran quarterbacks on the Patriots roster
Waited patiently for his opportunity, making the most of it when it came

Brady’s journey from a sixth-round pick to one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work.

Tom Brady's Stats and Achievements Post-Draft

Now, let’s take a look at some of the incredible stats and achievements that Tom Brady has racked up since being drafted:

Seven Super Bowl titles (2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021)
Five-time Super Bowl MVP
Three-time NFL MVP
All-time leader in career passing yards and touchdown passes

These numbers speak for themselves, but what makes Tom Brady truly special is the way he’s redefined the quarterback position. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and execute under pressure has set him apart from his peers.

Key Lessons from Tom Brady's Career

Tom Brady’s journey from a sixth-round pick to the greatest quarterback of all time offers several key lessons for aspiring athletes and anyone looking to succeed in life:

Hard work and perseverance can overcome any obstacle
Don’t let others define your potential; define it yourself
Stay humble and continue learning, no matter how successful you become

Brady’s career is a masterclass in how to turn adversity into opportunity and how to keep pushing forward, even when the odds are stacked against you.

Tom Brady's Legacy: Beyond the Numbers

While the stats and trophies are impressive, Tom Brady’s legacy extends beyond the numbers. He’s become a symbol of excellence, leadership, and resilience. His influence on the game of football is immeasurable, and his impact on the New England Patriots organization is undeniable.

But Brady’s legacy isn’t just about football. It’s about the values he embodies—hard work, dedication, and the belief that anything is possible with the right mindset. As he continues to play at an elite level well into his 40s, Brady proves that age is just a number and that passion can fuel greatness.

Conclusion: The Story of Tom Brady Draft Pick

Tom Brady’s journey from the 199th pick in the 2000 NFL Draft to the greatest quarterback of all time is a story of perseverance, hard work, and determination. It’s a reminder that success isn’t always about where you start; it’s about where you finish.

As you reflect on Brady’s career, remember the lessons he’s taught us: stay hungry, stay humble, and never stop learning. And if you’re inspired by his story, don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family. Who knows? Maybe the next Tom Brady is out there, just waiting for their chance to shine.

So, what do you think? Is Tom Brady the greatest quarterback of all time? Let us know in the comments below!