Former Steelers GM reflects on Tom Brady draft: ‘We and the rest of the NFL messed it’

A number of executives, including former general manager Kevin Colbert of the Pittsburgh Steelers, passed on selecting quarterback Tom Brady more than once before Brady was selected by the New England Patriots with overall pick No. 199 in the 2000 NFL Draft.

It was revealed by Colbert that in the spring of 2000, not even the Patriots knew exactly what they had in Brady, because if they had, they “would’ve taken him with their first pick.” Naturally, Pittsburgh later selected quarterback Ben Roethlisberger with a first-round selection in 2004. Even though Roethlisberger is inducted into the Hall of Fame, he did lead the Steelers to two Super Bowl championships throughout his career. His visage may never be seen on a Mount Rushmore of the finest players in NFL history.