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 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

1967: Last Big Ten Championship

In 2000, Drew Brees led the Purdue Boilermakers to their first Big Ten championship since 1967.

January 15, 1979: Drew Brees Born

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

1980: Highest Spot Since 1980

In 2000, Brees helped lead Purdue to a #9 ranking in the AP Poll, the program's highest spot since the 1980 season.

1981: Brother's Birth

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

1989: Academic All-America Honors

In 2000, as a senior, Brees became the first Boilermaker since Bruce Brineman in 1989 to earn Academic All-America honors.

1996: State Championship Win

In 1996, Drew Brees led the Austin Westlake High School football team to a 16-0 record and a state championship.

1998: Ties NCAA Completion Record

In 1998, Drew Brees tied an NCAA single-game record with 55 completions in a game against Wisconsin.

September 25, 1999: Ties NCAA Record

On September 25, 1999, Brees tied an NCAA record with a 99-yard pass to receiver Vinny Sutherland against Northwestern.

1999: Davey O'Brien Award Finalist

In 1999, Drew Brees was a finalist for the Davey O'Brien Award as the nation's best quarterback.

2000: Leads Boilermakers to Big Ten Championship

In 2000, Drew Brees led the Purdue Boilermakers to their first Big Ten championship since 1967.

2000: Wins Maxwell Award

In 2000, Drew Brees won the Maxwell Award as the nation's outstanding player.

2001: Graduates from Purdue

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

2001: Rose Bowl Appearance

In 2001, Drew Brees helped lead Purdue to the Rose Bowl, their first appearance since 1967.

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: Wins NCAA's Today's Top VIII Award

In 2001, Drew Brees won the NCAA's Today's Top VIII Award as a member of the Class of 2001.

February 2003: Married Brittany Dudchenko

In February 2003, Drew Brees married his college sweetheart, Brittany Dudchenko, marking the beginning of their family life together.

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.

February 18, 2007: Honored as Grand Marshal of Bacchus Parade

On February 18, 2007, Drew Brees was honored by the Krewe of Bacchus as the Grand Marshal of their Mardi Gras parade.

January 2009: Birth of First Son

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

June 2009: Visited Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp

In June 2009, Drew Brees visited the Guantanamo Bay detention camp as part of a USO tour.

August 7, 2009: Death of Mother, Mina Brees

On August 7, 2009, Drew Brees's mother, Mina Brees, passed away at the age of 59, marking a personal tragedy for Brees and his family.

2009: Mother's Death

In 2009, Brees' mother, Mina Ruth Akins, passed away. She was an attorney.

2009: Inducted into Purdue Hall of Fame

In 2009, Drew Brees was inducted into Purdue's Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame.

February 14, 2010: Presided as Bacchus XLII

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

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.