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 in the NFL for 20 seasons, primarily with the New Orleans Saints. He is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks ever, holding numerous records including consecutive games with a touchdown pass, and ranking among the top in career passing yards, touchdown passes, and pass completions. Brees was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024.

Sections (5)

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

2004: Quarterback Controversy

Drew Brees faced a quarterback controversy after the San Diego Chargers acquired Philip Rivers after the 2004 NFL draft, but performed well enough to secure the starting job.

January 5, 2006: Surgery to repair torn labrum

On January 5, 2006, Drew Brees underwent arthroscopic surgery, performed by Dr. James Andrews, to repair the torn labrum in his right (throwing) shoulder. Subsequent reports mentioned additional partial rotator cuff damage and he was also treated by Dr. Saby Szajowitz to recover and regain muscle movement.

2012: Brees entered season with temporary head coach

In 2012, due to Sean Payton's suspension, Drew Brees began the season with Aaron Kromer as the temporary head coach for the first six games, followed by Joe Vitt taking over head coaching duties after Week 8.

2012: Brees's streak of consecutive games with a touchdown pass ended at 54

In 2012, during a Week 13 game against the Atlanta Falcons, Drew Brees threw no touchdowns and a career-high five interceptions, ending his streak of consecutive games with at least one touchdown pass at 54. He finished the 2012 season with 5,177 passing yards and 43 touchdowns despite the Saints having the worst defensive support in the NFL and missing the playoffs with a 7-9 record.

2013: Saints missed playoffs

The Saints narrowly defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round, but lost to the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional Round, who went on to win Super Bowl XLVIII in the 2013 season.

2014: Brees admits that the 2014 season was his "most frustrating"

Drew Brees described the 2014 season as his "most frustrating." Despite personal achievements like moving into fourth place on the career passing yardage list and becoming the NFL's all-time leader in completion percentage, the Saints finished with a 7-9 record and missed the playoffs.

2016: Brees surpassed Dan Marino for fourth in career touchdown passes

In 2016, Drew Brees surpassed Dan Marino for fourth in career touchdown passes. He also reached the 60,000-yard milestone and had his 10th straight 4,000-yard season. Despite his accomplishments, the Saints finished with a 7–9 record and missed the playoffs. He was ranked 30th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.

April 2018: Lawsuit Against San Diego Jeweler

In April 2018, Drew Brees filed a lawsuit against a San Diego jeweler, claiming that he and his wife paid $15 million for investment-grade diamonds that were later appraised at only $6 million.

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

On November 15, 2020, Drew Brees exited the Saints' Week 10 game against the San Francisco 49ers in the first half with a rib injury from a sack attempt by Kentavius Street. Before leaving, he completed 8 of 13 passes for 76 yards and one touchdown.

November 20, 2020: Placed on Injured Reserve

On November 20, 2020, Drew Brees was placed on injured reserve after suffering multiple broken ribs and a collapsed lung, ruling him out for at least the next three games.