Drew Brees

Drew Brees
Senate Democrats · CC BY 2.0 · source
Name	Drew Brees
Birth date	15 January 1979
Birth place	Austin, Texas
Occupation	American football quarterback
Alma mater	Purdue University
Spouse	Danneel Ackles

Drew Brees is an American former professional American football quarterback who played 20 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the New Orleans Saints. He is noted for his leadership in rebuilding the Saints after Hurricane Katrina, his record-setting passing statistics, and his off-field philanthropy. Brees won Super Bowl XLIV and received numerous honors including multiple Pro Bowl selections and the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.

Early life and education

Born in Austin, Texas, Brees grew up in Dallas, Texas and attended Westlake High School in Lake Travis, Texas. At Westlake he played high school football under coach Todd Dodge and led his team to state playoff appearances in the UIL system. He was a highly recruited prospect who considered programs such as University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, University of Oklahoma, and University of Southern California before selecting Purdue University. Brees graduated high school with accolades that included all-state honors and attention from ESPN, Rivals.com, and Scout.com.

College career

At Purdue University, Brees played under head coach Joe Tiller in the Big Ten Conference. He led the Purdue Boilermakers football program alongside wide receiver Vinny Sutherland and tight end Taylor Stubblefield to multiple bowl games, including the Rose Bowl. Brees developed within the spread offense system and earned recognition from Heisman Trophy voters, finishing high in the balloting in his senior season. He set school and Big Ten records for passing yards and touchdowns, earning All-American honors and invitations to postseason showcases such as the Senior Bowl.

Professional career

Selected in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, Brees began his professional career under head coach Marty Schottenheimer and later Norv Turner. He replaced starters such as Doug Flutie and competed with quarterbacks including Philip Rivers and Ryan Leaf during his Chargers tenure. After recovering from a major shoulder injury sustained in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs, he signed with the New Orleans Saints under head coach Sean Payton. In New Orleans Brees formed productive connections with receivers Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Robert Meachem, Jeremy Shockey, and later Michael Thomas and Brandin Cooks. He led the Saints to a Super Bowl XLIV victory over the Indianapolis Colts and quarterback Peyton Manning, earning the Super Bowl MVP award. Brees continued to accrue NFL passing records, played in multiple NFC Championship Game appearances, and received selections to numerous Pro Bowl rosters until retiring and transitioning to broadcasting work with networks such as NBC Sports and program appearances with Football Night in America.

Playing style and records

Brees was noted for accuracy, quick release, and pocket presence, often compared to quarterbacks like Tom Brady, Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and Peyton Manning. He led NFL seasons in passing yards and completion percentage, setting single-season and career records for completion percentage and career passing yards and touchdowns at various times. Brees earned NFL MVP considerations in multiple seasons and set franchise records for the Saints franchise established in 1967. His statistical achievements are recorded in NFL historical lists alongside figures such as Dan Marino, John Elway, Drew Bledsoe, Philip Rivers, Kurt Warner, and Ben Roethlisberger.

Personal life

Brees married actress Danneel Ackles; he was previously married to Amanda Brees. He is the father of children and a resident of the New Orleans metropolitan area. Brees has engaged in media appearances and partnerships, including endorsements with brands and interactions with organizations such as Nike, Gatorade, and Raising Cane's affiliates. He has maintained relationships with teammates, coaches, and peers including Sean Payton, Michael Lewis, and Saints personnel such as Mickey Loomis and Dennis Allen.

Philanthropy and community work

Brees founded the Brees Dream Foundation to support victims of natural disasters and children with serious illnesses; the foundation partnered with organizations like United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Children's Hospital New Orleans, and Make-A-Wish Foundation. He played a prominent civic role in the New Orleans recovery after Hurricane Katrina alongside public figures including Ray Nagin and civic leaders in collaborations with the City of New Orleans. Brees has been honored with awards such as the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award and engaged in initiatives with educational institutions including Purdue University and Tulane University.

Category:American football quarterbacks Category:New Orleans Saints players Category:Purdue Boilermakers football players Category:People from Austin, Texas