Challenges in the Life of Drew Brees in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Drew Brees. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

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

2005: Saints struggle during the 2005 season

Due to the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina, the Saints were unable to play in New Orleans during the 2005 season and struggled to a 3–13 record.

2005: Tore Labrum in Shoulder

In 2005, Drew Brees faced a significant challenge when he tore the labrum in his shoulder, an injury that he said strengthened his relationship with God.

2005: Tears Labrum

In 2005, Drew Brees tore his labrum in the last game of the season against the Denver Broncos.

January 5, 2006: Shoulder Surgery

On January 5, 2006, Drew Brees underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right (throwing) shoulder.

2006: Relationship Issues with Mother

In 2006, Drew Brees described his relationship with his mother as "nonexistent" due to professional disagreements.

2012: Brees plays under interim head coaches in 2012

Due to Sean Payton's suspension, Drew Brees played under offensive line coach Aaron Kromer and later Joe Vitt as temporary head coaches during the 2012 season.

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.

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.

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.

November 15, 2020: Rib Injury During Game Against 49ers

On November 15, 2020, Drew Brees sustained a rib injury during the Saints' Week 10 game against the San Francisco 49ers, leading to his exit from the game.

November 20, 2020: Placed on Injured Reserve

On November 20, 2020, Drew Brees was placed on injured reserve due to multiple broken ribs and a collapsed lung, sidelining him for at least three games.