Tom Brady isn’t buying Shedeur Sanders’ show

In the NFL, every gesture matters. And when Tom Brady speaks, the league listens. The seven-time Super Bowl champion recently delivered a subtle—but sharp—critique of how quarterbacks celebrate their touchdowns. In a conversation with Cris Collinsworth, Brady said what he watches most closely after a score is where the quarterback goes. “I always looked for my linemen. That’s way more intimidating than finger guns or gestures to the crowd. All that stuff is very self-promotional,” he said, as reported by Sportskeeda.

While Tom Brady didn’t drop any names, social media quickly connected the dots. The implied target appeared to be Shedeur Sanders. The current Cleveland Browns quarterback known for his signature “watch” celebration. After scoring, he raises his wrist as if to say: it’s my time. That move has been part of his persona since his college days at Colorado, where he played under his father, Deion Sanders.

A personal brand

Shedeur Sanders doesn’t just celebrate differently—he lives differently. His personal brand, 2Legendary, is everywhere: in workouts, interviews, and even his podcast. During the 2025 NFL Draft, while most prospects headed to Green Bay, Sanders stayed in Canton, Texas. He set up shop in a customized room decked out with merchandise, live streaming, and full-on branding. The Browns picked him in the fifth round, while the Raiders. Where Tom Brady is now a minority owner, opted for Geno Smith.

Tom Brady says he watches QBs to see if they celebrate with teammates after a TD:

“That’s way more intimidating than a QB doing his six-shooter guns and pointing up in the crowd and all that other bullshit that’s very self-promotional.”

(via @PFF / YT)pic.twitter.com/hckTRcLYJm

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 1, 2025

This quiet clash between Tom Brady and Shedeur Sanders isn’t just about touchdown dances. It’s a generational collision between legacy and marketing. Between respect earned on the field and image crafted off it. Brady stands for an era where leadership meant collective sacrifice. Sanders represents a new NFL, where the player is also a brand, an influencer, and a business.

Authenticity is the key

Can both worlds coexist? Some argue the NFL is starting to resemble an entertainment platform more than a sports league. That’s why authenticity matters more than ever. Tom Brady, with his spotless résumé, champions football as a team ritual. Shedeur Sanders, with his bold flair, defends the right to shine. And while their paths intersect more in narrative than on the gridiron, the debate is alive and well.