Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Drew Brees

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Drew Brees made an impact.

Drew Brees is a retired American football quarterback who played 20 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the New Orleans Saints. He holds numerous NFL records, including being second all-time in passing yards, touchdown passes, and pass completions. He is also recognized for his high completion percentage and held the record for consecutive games with a touchdown pass. Brees is widely considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

November 4, 2001: First NFL Game

On November 4, 2001, Drew Brees played in his first professional game against the Kansas City Chiefs, relieving Doug Flutie and throwing his first career touchdown.

2001: NFL Draft Selection

In 2001, Drew Brees was selected in the second round of the NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers, after playing college football for Purdue.

2001: Drafted by the San Diego Chargers

In the 2001 NFL draft, Drew Brees was selected by the San Diego Chargers with the 32nd overall pick.

August 19, 2002: Named Starting Quarterback

On August 19, 2002, Drew Brees was named the starting quarterback for the San Diego Chargers for the 2002 season.

2003: Founded Brees Dream Foundation

In 2003, Drew Brees and his wife Brittany established the Brees Dream Foundation to support cancer patients and research, honoring Brittany's late aunt.

2003: Touchdown Reception

In 2003, Drew Brees recorded a 21-yard touchdown reception on a pass thrown by LaDainian Tomlinson.

2004: Free Agency After Season

After the 2004 season, Brees became a free agent, with his return to San Diego uncertain.

2004: Breakout Season

In 2004, Brees had a breakout season with the Chargers, earning Pro Bowl and Comeback Player of the Year honors.

2004: AFC West Title and Pro Bowl Selection

In 2004, Drew Brees led the Chargers to an AFC West title and was selected to the Pro Bowl, also named NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

2004: Guaranteed Starting Job

In 2004, after performing well in training camp, Drew Brees essentially guaranteed himself the starting job with the Chargers.

2005: Franchise Player Designation

In 2005, the Chargers designated Drew Brees a franchise player, giving him a one-year contract, but allowing him to be traded.

March 14, 2006: Brees signs with the Saints

On March 14, 2006, Drew Brees signed a six-year, $60 million deal with the New Orleans Saints after negotiations with the Miami Dolphins fell through due to concerns about his shoulder injury.

2006: Joins the Saints

In 2006, Brees joined the New Orleans Saints and brought new success to the franchise.

2006: Brees leads the Saints to a successful 2006 season

In 2006, Drew Brees had a productive first year with the Saints, leading the team to a 10–6 regular season record and winning the NFC South division title.

January 13, 2007: Brees's first playoff game for New Orleans

On January 13, 2007, Drew Brees played in his first playoff game for New Orleans, leading the Saints to a 27–24 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Round.

2007: Partnered with Operation Kids

In 2007, Drew Brees' Dream Foundation partnered with Operation Kids to rebuild and restore academic and athletic facilities in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.

2007: Brees sets NFL record in 2007

In the 2007 season, Drew Brees passed for 4,423 yards and set the NFL record for pass completions in a single season with 440.

February 2008: Promotional Deal with Chili's Grill & Bar

In February 2008, Drew Brees signed a promotional deal with Chili's Grill & Bar to promote their hamburgers and raise money for charity.

June 2008: Participated in Pro Sports Team Challenge

In June 2008, Drew Brees participated in the Pro Sports Team Challenge, helping to raise money for Operation Kids.

2008: Brees throws for over 5,000 yards in 2008

In 2008, Drew Brees finished the season with 5,069 passing yards, becoming the second quarterback in NFL history to throw for over 5,000 yards in a season.

2008: Brees named AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2008

In 2008, Drew Brees was named AP Offensive Player of the Year and was selected to his third career Pro Bowl.

2009: Saints secure #1 seed in the NFC in 2009

Drew Brees helped the Saints achieve a 13–3 record in 2009, securing the #1 seed in the NFC and setting a single-season franchise record for victories.

2009: Brees throws six touchdowns in 2009 season opener

In the first game of the 2009 season, Drew Brees set a career-high and franchise-tying record with six touchdown passes against the Detroit Lions.

February 7, 2010: Saints win Super Bowl XLIV

On February 7, 2010, Drew Brees led the New Orleans Saints to victory in Super Bowl XLIV against the Indianapolis Colts, earning the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award.

March 30, 2010: Became Spokesperson for AdvoCare

On March 30, 2010, Drew Brees became the national spokesperson for AdvoCare International, a multi-level marketing company.

April 2010: Cover Athlete for Madden NFL 11

In April 2010, Drew Brees was voted by fans to be the cover athlete for the EA Sports Madden NFL 11 video game, a significant recognition of his popularity and success.

June 2010: Appointed to President's Council

In June 2010, President Obama appointed Drew Brees to be co-chair of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition.

July 6, 2010: Released "Coming Back Stronger"

On July 6, 2010, Drew Brees released his first book, "Coming Back Stronger: Unleashing the Hidden Power of Adversity," which quickly became a nonfiction bestseller.

October 2010: Appeared in It Gets Better Video

In October 2010, Drew Brees appeared in an It Gets Better video, delivering an anti-bullying message.

2010: Saints qualify for playoffs in 2010

In the 2010 regular season, Drew Brees helped lead the Saints to a six-game winning streak late in the season and the Saints qualified for the playoffs with an 11-5 record.

2011: Brees breaks Marino's passing yards record in 2011

In Week 16 of 2011 against the Atlanta Falcons, Drew Brees broke Dan Marino's longstanding record for passing yards in a single season with a touchdown pass to Darren Sproles.

2011: Brees achieves "Triple Crown" in 2011

The 2011 season was a record-breaking season for Drew Brees as he led the NFL in completion percentage, passing yards and passing touchdowns, which is known as the "Triple Crown".

2012: 2012 Season Performance

In 2012, Drew Brees experienced both highs and lows. He threw a career-high five interceptions in Week 13, ending his consecutive game streak with a touchdown pass. However, he surpassed Peyton Manning's mark with his seventh straight 4,000-yard passing season and achieved his fifth straight season with at least 30 touchdown passes and 4,000 yards passing. Despite his 5,177 passing yards and 43 touchdowns, the Saints finished with a 7-9 record and missed the playoffs due to the league's worst defensive support.

2013: Successful 2013 Season

In 2013, Drew Brees led the Saints to an 11-5 record. He earned three NFC Offensive Player of the Week awards. Brees passed Warren Moon for fifth on the career passing yards list and became the fastest player to reach 50,000 career passing yards. He was named to his eighth career Pro Bowl and extended his NFL record to a sixth straight season of at least 30 touchdown passes with 4,000 passing yards, his third straight 5,000-yard season, and his eighth straight 4,000-yard season. The Saints narrowly defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round, but lost to the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional Round.

2014: 2014 Season Achievements

Drew Brees described the 2014 season as his "most frustrating" as the Saints finished 7-9 and missed the playoffs. He moved into fourth place on the career passing yardage list. Brees became the NFL's all-time leader in completion percentage. He earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week for a Week 13 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He extended his streak to an NFL-record seventh straight season with at least 30 touchdown passes and nine straight seasons of 4,000 passing yards. He tied for the league lead in passing yards with 4,952. He was named to his ninth career Pro Bowl.

2014: Brees on NFLPA executive committee through 2014

Drew Brees served on the executive committee of the National Football League Players Association through the 2014 season.

October 4, 2015: 400th Career Touchdown Pass

On October 4, 2015, Drew Brees threw his 400th career touchdown pass, becoming the fifth player in NFL history to reach this milestone. He was the fastest to reach 400 touchdowns. He also completed his 5,000th pass. The Saints won against the Dallas Cowboys 26-20 in overtime. Brees earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

November 1, 2015: Ties NFL Record for Touchdown Passes in a Game

On November 1, 2015, Drew Brees tied the NFL record with seven touchdown passes in a game against the New York Giants. He threw for 505 yards, marking his second career game with at least 500 passing yards, and earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

2016: 2016 Season Statistical Achievements

Drew Brees led the league in passing yards with 5,208 in the 2016 season, his second most of his career. He also recorded his fifth 5,000-yard season. Brees set an NFL record with 471 completions, broke his own record, and had a career-high 673 attempts. He was named to his tenth career Pro Bowl for his 2016 season.

2016: 2016 Season Opener Performance

In the Saints' 2016 season opener, Drew Brees threw a career-high 98-yard touchdown pass. He finished the game with 423 passing yards and four touchdown passes, tying him with Peyton Manning for the most 400-yard passing games in NFL history.

2017: Led Saints to Division Title

From 2017 to 2020, Brees led the Saints to four consecutive division titles.

March 13, 2018: Signed Contract Extension with Saints

On March 13, 2018, Drew Brees signed a two-year, $50 million contract extension with the Saints, which included $27 million guaranteed.

2019: 2019 Season Achievements

During the 2019 season, Drew Brees suffered a torn ligament in his right thumb which caused him to miss six to eight weeks. He returned in Week 8. During Week 15 on Monday Night Football, Brees broke Peyton Manning's record for most career touchdowns and set a single-game record of 96.7% completion percentage rate. In 11 games played, he finished the season with 2,979 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and a completion percentage of 74.34%. He earned NFC Offensive Player of the Month for December.

2019: Partnered with San Diego Surf Sports

In 2019, Drew Brees partnered with San Diego Surf Sports to support youth sports in the San Diego area, demonstrating his commitment to community involvement.

March 17, 2020: Signed Two-Year Contract Extension with Saints

On March 17, 2020, Drew Brees signed a two-year, $50 million contract extension with the New Orleans Saints, ensuring his continued presence with the team.

July 2020: $5 Million Donation for Healthcare Centers

In July 2020, Drew Brees and his wife, Brittany, donated $5 million through their foundation to help build healthcare centers throughout Louisiana, partnering with Ochsner Health System.

December 19, 2020: Activated from Injured Reserve

On December 19, 2020, Drew Brees was activated from injured reserve for the Saints' Week 15 game against the Kansas City Chiefs and surpassed Anthony Calvillo for first place in career passing yards in any professional outdoor gridiron football league.

2020: Retirement from NFL

Drew Brees retired from the NFL after the 2020 season, following 15 seasons in New Orleans.

2020: Led Saints to Division Title

From 2017 to 2020, Brees led the Saints to four consecutive division titles, and in 2020 he finished his 15th season in New Orleans.

February 6, 2021: Saints Renegotiated Brees' Contract

On February 6, 2021, the Saints renegotiated Drew Brees' contract, reducing his salary to $1.075 million for the season to save salary cap space.

March 14, 2021: Announced Retirement from NFL

On March 14, 2021, Drew Brees announced his retirement from the NFL after twenty seasons, marking the end of an era.

May 15, 2022: Left NBC Sports

On May 15, 2022, Drew Brees left NBC Sports after one season, concluding his role as a color analyst for Notre Dame games and Football Night in America.