Tom Brady has assured new Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis that falling into the second round of the NFL Draft will only make any success in the league feel better.
Brady, 45, knows more than most what it feels like to be left waiting during draft night. The Michigan product went to the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 draft as the 199 overall pick.
The recently-retired quarterback has admitted to using being overlooked multiple times by every other franchise as inspiration during a Hall of Fame-worthy career. Levis, 23, would do well to have half the career Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl winner and three-time MVP, had.
Despite stepping away from playing football for the second - and final - time on February 1, Brady continues advising those entering the league. Levis has grown up watching the veteran quarterback for the Pats and has now heard directly from the man himself.
"Waiting around on draft day, it sucks. I know the feeling, it's not easy, but I promise you one thing," Brady told Levis in a message played to him by Fanatics.
"It's gonna make everything that happens from this point on so much sweeter."
It is not the first time Brady has addressed this year's incoming rookie class. In May, he offered some words of wisdom to Levis again, plus top picks Bryce Young, CJ Stroud and Anthony Richardson.
"Going in the second round, in the end, that's not really that big of a deal," Brady said during a Fanatics lunch with the four draftees. "Going first overall, in the end, it's not a big deal.
"It's great; you got an opportunity. You're probably gonna be paid more than anyone for a time period. But I was drafted 199. I just outlasted everybody. There's another me back there.
"So, how do I keep my edge on everybody? I had to keep working. I didn't go, 'Hey, I'm good. Right? I won three Super Bowls. I'm good.'"
Brady's message to Levis came after he had already made it clear his NFL Draft slide will have no impact on his work ethic and drive to succeed as he showcased the attitude he will bring to the Titans.
"It's not going to change my work ethic, regardless if I went first overall or 33rd," the projected first-round pick said in early May.
"I can't let the circumstances dictate my work ethic. I ended up where I was meant to be, and I'm just looking forward to competing and getting started."
Despite facing himself in a tough situation, Levis has demonstrated the drive that it is hoped will see him make a big impact despite his draft night disappointment.
Levis has plenty of competition for game time in Tennessee during this upcoming rookie season. Titans head coach Mike Vrabel has confirmed that last season's starter Ryan Tannehill and second-year quarterback Malik Willis are ahead of the number 33 overall pick during the offseason.
