Football fans and sports historians often ask, when was Tom Brady drafted? The answer reveals one of the most remarkable stories in NFL history. Tom Brady, now renowned as perhaps the greatest quarterback to play the game, had an astonishingly humble beginning in the league. This article uncovers the details of Brady's draft, why he was overlooked, and how that moment changed the course of football forever.

The Moment Tom Brady Was Drafted

Tom Brady was drafted in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft, selected 199th overall by the New England Patriots. The focus keyword here, "when was Tom Brady drafted," isn't just a question—it’s a benchmark in NFL lore.

Despite playing well at the University of Michigan, Brady faced skepticism from scouts. Concerns about his athleticism and arm strength saw him slide down the draft board. In total, six quarterbacks were picked before him that year. You can learn more about the Patriots’ decision and the circumstances behind their legendary pick in this in-depth piece by Marca, which explores why Brady was initially overlooked and how he rose above the doubt.

Why Was Tom Brady Overlooked?

During pre-draft evaluations, Brady didn’t shine in the combine drills. He was considered a "diamond in the rough" whose intangible qualities—a strong mind and impressive leadership—weren’t easily measured. The Patriots, led by coach Bill Belichick, saw potential others missed. Their gamble paid off in a way no one expected.

Other franchises chose quarterbacks like Chad Pennington, Giovanni Carmazzi, and Marc Bulger ahead of Brady. However, none matched Brady's career trajectory. As the Yahoo Sports article points out, Brady's underdog journey still inspires draft prospects today. He became a role model for persistence and self-belief, echoing his story with messages like "trust the 199th pick."

The Legacy of Pick 199 in NFL History

Tom Brady’s rise was spectacular. He took over from Drew Bledsoe and quickly proved himself on football’s biggest stage. Over his career, he played in ten Super Bowls and won seven, redefining the quarterback position.

Brady’s legacy demonstrates that being drafted late doesn’t mean failure. According to CBS Sports, several successful NFL quarterbacks were drafted in the fifth round or later. Still, Brady stands out as the ultimate example—outperforming every expectation and rewriting league history.

What Can We Learn From Tom Brady’s Draft Story?

When was Tom Brady drafted? The answer is more than just a date and pick number—it’s a symbol of underdog achievement. Brady’s journey reminds us that determination and belief can override doubters and statistics.

The NFL Draft is filled with uncertainty. Talent evaluators sometimes miss the intangibles that make a true leader. Brady’s story continues to offer hope to every late-round pick and every fan looking for football’s next great surprise.

In summary: Tom Brady was drafted in 2000, sixth round, 199th overall—a decision that changed the future of the Patriots and the NFL forever. If you want to explore deeper, read detailed NFL draft stories from Marca, CBS Sports, and Yahoo Sports for more fascinating insights.

Tom Brady proved that where you start doesn’t define where you’ll finish. His draft story is a testament to perseverance, talent, and the magic of believing in the impossible.