Tom Brady Could Be The Last Man Standing From The 2000 Draft
With Sebastian Janikowski becoming a free agent, that makes Tom Brady the last player left from the 2000 NFL Draft class who is with the team that drafted him.
Tom Brady speaks to the media after losing 41-33 to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)
(Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)Tom Brady is likely to be the last player remaining from the 2000 NFL Draft class in the 2018 season. That's because the Oakland Raiders won't be bringing back kicker Sebastian Janikowski, whom they drafted 17th overall in 2000. That leaves Brady as the only player still with the team that drafted him that year.
If Janikowski, 39, decides to retire, that would leave Brady as the only active player left from the 2000 draft period.
ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported that the Raiders informed Janikowski they're not bringing him back. It's possible that Janikowski signs with another team via free agency. But he ended up on injured reserve in September with a back injury. It's also quite possible that he hangs it up. (UPDATE: Janikowski's agent tells the Las Vegas Review-Journal that his client plans to play elsewhere in 2018.
Tom Still Terrific At Age 40
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)Tom Brady warms up during the New England Patriots' practice on Feb. 2, 2018 at Winter Park in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.The New England Patriots will play the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII on February 4. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
To put Brady's remarkable longevity in perspective, Brian Urlacher - the ninth overall pick in the 2000 draft - just got elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Brady will eventually get his own bust in Canton, Ohio, but not any time soon if he keeps playing the way he did at age 40. He threw for a record 505 yards to go with three touchdowns in Super Bowl LII. However, he also took a costly strip sack late in the fourth quarter when he had a chance for a go-ahead drive.
Still, it's likely that Brady continues to play at a high level as a 41-year-old. And it's only more incredible knowing that he could be the only player left from his draft class while doing it.
-- By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
