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 former American football quarterback, playing 20 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the New Orleans Saints. He ranks among the top quarterbacks of all time, holding numerous records. Notably, he is second all-time in career passing yards and touchdown passes. Brees also held a record for consecutive games with a touchdown pass (54). He is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

Sections (5)

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

2004: Quarterback Controversy

In 2004, after the Chargers acquired Philip Rivers, Drew Brees performed well through training camp, guaranteeing him the starting job.

2005: Shoulder Injury and Faith

In 2005, Drew Brees tore the labrum in his shoulder which he maintained strengthened his relationship with God.

January 5, 2006: Shoulder Surgery

On January 5, 2006, Drew Brees underwent arthroscopic surgery performed by Dr. James Andrews to repair a 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.

2006: Estrangement from mother

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

January 13, 2007: First Playoff Game for New Orleans

On January 13, 2007, in his first playoff game for New Orleans against the Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Round, Drew Brees completed 20 of 32 passing attempts with one touchdown and no interceptions, leading the Saints to a 27-24 victory. They advanced to the NFC Championship Game. Brees dislocated his left elbow during the first quarter of the Pro Bowl.

2012: Sean Payton's Suspension and Interim Coaches

In 2012, due to Sean Payton's suspension, Aaron Kromer served as the Saints' temporary head coach for the first six games, followed by Joe Vitt taking over head coaching responsibilities after Week 8.

2014: Frustrating Season with Record Achievements

Drew Brees described the 2014 season as his "most frustrating", despite moving into fourth place in career passing yardage and becoming the NFL's all-time leader in completion percentage. He earned an Offensive Player of the Week award and extended his streak to seven straight seasons with at least 30 touchdown passes and nine straight seasons of 4,000 passing yards. The Saints finished 7-9 and missed the playoffs.

2016: Brees's Records and Team Struggles

In 2016, Drew Brees's streak of 45 consecutive games with a touchdown pass ended. He surpassed Dan Marino for fourth in career touchdown passes and reached the 60,000-yard milestone, achieving his 10th straight 4,000-yard season. Despite these achievements, the Saints finished with a 7-9 record and missed the playoffs. He was ranked 30th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.

April 2018: Lawsuit Against Jeweler

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

November 15, 2020: Rib Injury against 49ers

On November 15, 2020, Drew Brees left the Saints’ game against the San Francisco 49ers with a rib injury.

November 20, 2020: Placed on Injured Reserve

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