Early Life and Education of Drew Brees: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Drew Brees. A timeline of key moments.

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

1972: Marty Akins at Texas Longhorns

From 1972 to 1975, Drew Brees's maternal uncle, Marty Akins, was an All-American starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns college football team.

1975: Marty Akins at Texas Longhorns

From 1972 to 1975, Drew Brees's maternal uncle, Marty Akins, was an All-American starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns college football team.

January 15, 1979: Drew Brees Born

On January 15, 1979, Drew Brees was born in Dallas, Texas, to Eugene Wilson "Chip" Brees II and Mina Ruth.

1981: Birth of Reid Brees

In 1981, Drew Brees's younger brother, Reid, was born.

2001: Graduation from Purdue

In 2001, Drew Brees graduated from Purdue University with a degree in industrial management.

February 2003: Marriage to Brittany Dudchenko

In February 2003, Drew Brees married his college sweetheart, Brittany Dudchenko.

2003: Establishment of Brees Dream Foundation

In 2003, Drew Brees and his wife Brittany founded the Brees Dream Foundation to support cancer patients and research and also assist Hurricane Katrina rebuilding projects.

2005: Shoulder Injury and Faith

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

2005: Reid Brees in College World Series

In 2005, Drew Brees's younger brother, Reid, was an outfielder for the Baylor Bears baseball team, which made the College World Series.

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.

March 14, 2006: Signed with the Saints

On March 14, 2006, Drew Brees signed a six-year, $60 million deal with the New Orleans Saints after the Miami Dolphins decided not to sign him due to concerns about his shoulder injury. The Dolphins traded for Daunte Culpepper instead. Nick Saban resigned from the Dolphins and left to coach for Alabama Crimson Tide because the Dolphins didn't sign Brees.

2006: Estrangement from mother

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

February 18, 2007: Grand Marshal of Bacchus Parade

On February 18, 2007, Drew Brees was honored as the 2007 Grand Marshal of the Bacchus parade, a New Orleans Mardi Gras organization.

2007: Partnership with Operation Kids

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

January 2009: Birth of First Son

In January 2009, Drew Brees and his wife Brittany welcomed their first son.

June 2009: Visit to Guantanamo Bay

In late June 2009, Drew Brees visited the Guantanamo Bay detention camp as part of a USO tour and stated that captives were being treated well.

August 7, 2009: Death of Mina Brees

On August 7, 2009, Drew Brees's mother, Mina Brees, passed away at the age of 59 from a prescription drug overdose.

2009: Death of Mina Ruth Brees

In 2009, Drew Brees' mother, Mina Ruth, passed away.

February 14, 2010: Bacchus XLII

On February 14, 2010, Drew Brees presided as Bacchus XLII for the 2010 Bacchus parade during Mardi Gras season.

March 30, 2010: Spokesperson for AdvoCare International

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

April 2010: Madden NFL 11 Cover Athlete

In April 2010, Drew Brees was voted by fans as the cover athlete of EA Sports Madden NFL 11 video game.

July 6, 2010: Release of "Coming Back Stronger"

On July 6, 2010, Drew Brees released his first book, "Coming Back Stronger: Unleashing the Hidden Power of Adversity", co-authored by Chris Fabry.

October 2010: Birth of Second Son

In October 2010, Drew Brees and his wife Brittany welcomed their second son.

October 2010: It Gets Better Video

In October 2010, Drew Brees appeared in an It Gets Better video, delivering an anti-bullying message following suicides by gay teenagers.

2010: Appearance on Entourage

In 2010, Drew Brees appeared in the Season 7 finale of the TV show Entourage.

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August 2012: Birth of Third Son

In August 2012, Drew Brees and his wife Brittany welcomed their third son.

2012: Sale of San Diego Home

In 2012, Drew Brees sold his home in San Diego, keeping his residence in New Orleans.

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.

August 2014: Birth of Daughter

In August 2014, Drew Brees and his wife Brittany welcomed their daughter.

2014: Clarification about Drew Pearson Naming

In a 2014 interview, Drew Brees stated that the story of him being named after Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Drew Pearson was "just legend".

May 2015: Stake in Walk-On's Bistreaux & Bar

In May 2015, Drew Brees purchased a 25% stake in Walk-On's Bistreaux & Bar, a sports bar chain.

2016: Opinion on National Anthem Kneeling

In 2016, Brees expressed his opinion that kneeling during the national anthem was disrespectful.

August 2019: Jimmy John's Franchise Expansion

As of August 2019, Drew Brees owns nine Jimmy John's stores with a tenth under construction, drawing on lessons learned from Walk-On's Bistreaux & Bar.

2019: Partnership with San Diego Surf Sports

In 2019, Drew Brees partnered with San Diego Surf Sports to help with the local youth sports scene in the San Diego area.

June 3, 2020: Controversial Statement on National Anthem Kneeling

On June 3, 2020, during the George Floyd protests, Drew Brees reiterated his 2016 opinion that kneeling during the national anthem was disrespectful, which led to criticism and a subsequent apology.

July 2020: $5 Million Donation to Ochsner Health System

In July 2020, Drew Brees and his wife, Brittany, donated $5 million through the Brees Dream Foundation to Ochsner Health System to build healthcare centers in Louisiana.

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.

December 19, 2020: Activation and Passing Record

On December 19, 2020, Drew Brees was activated after missing four games, and during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs, he surpassed Anthony Calvillo for first place in career passing yards in any professional outdoor gridiron football league.