Drew Brees

Drew Brees is a former professional American football player who played as a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) for 20 seasons. Best known for his legendary 15-year tenure with the New Orleans Saints, he led the franchise to their first-ever championship in Super Bowl XLIV.

He also spent his early career leading the offense for the San Diego Chargers and is widely considered one of the greatest and most accurate passers in football history.

Player Profile, High School, and College Career

Drew Christopher Brees was born on January 15, 1979, in Dallas, Texas, USA. The Quarterback stands 183 cm tall, and his weight was last listed at 95 kg.

He grew up in Austin, Texas, where he attended Westlake High School. He was a highly competitive multi-sport athlete, lettering in football, basketball, and baseball. Following graduation, Brees committed to play college football for Purdue University from 1997 to 2000.

Under head coach Joe Tiller, he enjoyed a highly decorated collegiate career, steering the Boilermakers to a Big Ten Championship and a Rose Bowl appearance. He was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in both 1998 and 2000, and won the prestigious Maxwell Award as the nation's top collegiate player in 2000.

Personal Life

Drew Brees resides in New Orleans, Louisiana, with his wife, Brittany, and their four children: Baylen, Bowen, Callen, and Rylen.

Brees is heavily involved in philanthropy; he and his wife established the Brees Dream Foundation in 2003. The foundation has contributed tens of millions of dollars toward cancer research and providing care, education, and opportunities for children and families in need.

Following his retirement from the NFL, Brees briefly worked as an NFL studio analyst for NBC Sports. He also returned to his alma mater, Purdue University, in 2022 to serve as an interim assistant football coach for their bowl game.

Professional Career

He was selected by the San Diego Chargers during the 2001 NFL Draft. They picked him as the first selection in the second round, making him the 32nd overall pick.

During his professional career, Brees took over as the starting quarterback for the Chargers in 2002. In 2004, he had a massive breakout season, leading the team to a division title and earning NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors. Following a severe, potentially career-ending shoulder injury in 2005, Brees left San Diego in free agency and signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2006.

In New Orleans, Brees orchestrated one of the most prolific offenses the NFL has ever seen. He was instrumental in revitalizing the franchise and bringing hope to the city following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

In 2008, he became only the second quarterback in league history to throw for over 5,000 yards in a single season, earning AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year. The pinnacle of his career came in 2009 when he led the Saints to a victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV, where he was named Super Bowl MVP.

Over his career, he secured multiple passing titles, led the league in passing yards seven times, and set numerous NFL records.

He officially retired in March 2021 after 15 incredible years in New Orleans.

Career Highlights:

• 2010 – Super Bowl champion (XLIV)
• 2010 – Super Bowl MVP (XLIV)
• 2008, 2011 – 2× NFL Offensive Player of the Year
• 2006 – Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year
• 2004 – NFL Comeback Player of the Year
• 2006 – First-team All-Pro
• 2008, 2009, 2011, 2018 – 4× Second-team All-Pro
• 2004, 2006, 2008–2014, 2016–2019 – 13× Pro Bowl
• 2006, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2014–2016 – 7× NFL passing yards leader
• 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012 – 4× NFL passing touchdowns leader
• 2009, 2018 – 2× NFL passer rating leader
• 2009–2011, 2017–2019 – 6× NFL completion percentage leader
• 2018 – Art Rooney Award
• 2011 – Bart Starr Award
• 2010 – Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year
• 2010 – AP Athlete of the Year
• 2009 – Bert Bell Award
• 2007 – George Halas Award
• 2000 – Maxwell Award
• 1998, 2000 – 2× Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year
• NFL Record: Most consecutive games with a touchdown pass (54)
• NFL Record: Highest completion percentage in a season (74.4%)
• NFL Record: Highest completion percentage in a game (96.7%)
• NFL Record: Most touchdown passes in a game (7 - tied)