Full History Of Drew Brees In Timeline From 1967

1967: Purdue's First Big Ten Championship in Decades

In 1967, Purdue secured its first Big Ten championship after a long wait.

1972: Marty Akins' All-American Season Begins

Drew Brees's uncle, Marty Akins, began his All-American run as the starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns college football team in 1972.

1975: Marty Akins Concludes College Football Career

In 1975, Drew Brees's uncle, Marty Akins, finished his successful college football career with the Texas Longhorns.

January 15, 1979: Drew Brees is Born

On January 15, 1979, Drew Christopher Brees was born in Dallas, Texas. He would go on to have a remarkable career as a quarterback in the NFL.

1980: Purdue Achieves Highest Ranking Since 1980

Purdue's football program reached its highest ranking in the AP Poll since 1980, climbing to the #9 spot.

1981: Birth of Reid Brees

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

1982: Dan Fouts' Passing Record

In 1982, Dan Fouts set the record for passing yards per game in a strike-shortened season, a record that would stand for many years.

1984: Dan Marino Sets Single-Season Passing Yards Record

In 1984, Dan Marino etched his name in NFL history by setting a new record for passing yards in a single season. This record stood as a testament to Marino's exceptional skill and remained unbroken for an impressive 24 years, solidifying its place as one of the NFL's most enduring records.

1989: First Boilermaker Since 1989 to Earn Academic All-America Honors

Drew Brees became the first Boilermaker since Bruce Brineman in 1989 to receive the prestigious Academic All-America honors.

1996: Texas High School 5A Most Valuable Offensive Player Award and State Championship

Drew Brees was named Texas High School 5A Most Valuable Offensive Player and led his team to a state championship with a perfect 16-0 record in 1996.

1998: Brees Ties NCAA Record for Completions in a Game

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

September 25, 1999: NCAA Record Pass

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

1999: Finalist for Davey O'Brien Award

Drew Brees was named a finalist for the Davey O'Brien Award, recognizing the nation's top quarterback, in 1999.

2000: Wins the Maxwell Award

Drew Brees won the Maxwell Award in 2000, recognizing him as the nation's most outstanding college football player.

2000: Leading Purdue to Victory and a Big Ten Championship

Drew Brees played a pivotal role in leading Purdue to crucial victories against Ohio State and Michigan in 2000, ultimately securing a share of the Big Ten championship. This marked their first such title since 1967.

November 4, 2001: First Professional Game

On November 4, 2001, Drew Brees played in his first professional game as a substitute for Doug Flutie, who suffered a concussion during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

2001: Receives NCAA's Today's Top VIII Award

As a member of the graduating class of 2001, Drew Brees was honored with the NCAA's Today's Top VIII Award.

2001: Graduation from Purdue University

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

2001: Purdue's Return to the Rose Bowl

Drew Brees led Purdue to the Rose Bowl in 2001, marking the school's first appearance in the prestigious game since 1967.

2001: Drafted into the NFL

Drew Brees was drafted by the San Diego Chargers with the 32nd overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft.

2001: Drafted by the San Diego Chargers

In 2001, Drew Brees was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the NFL draft.

August 19, 2002: Named Starting Quarterback

Drew Brees was named the starting quarterback for the Chargers on August 19, 2002.

2002: Rich Gannon Sets Record for 300-Yard Passing Games

In 2002, Rich Gannon set a then-NFL record by achieving ten 300-yard passing games in a single season. This milestone showcased his exceptional passing prowess and established a high benchmark for quarterbacks aiming to replicate his success in the years that followed.

February 2003: Marriage to Brittany Dudchenko

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

2003: Touchdown Reception and Benching

In 2003, Drew Brees had a 21-yard touchdown reception from a pass thrown by LaDainian Tomlinson. He was benched later in the season after a poor start.

2003: Brees Dream Foundation Established

In 2003, Drew Brees and his wife, Brittany, took a significant step in their philanthropic endeavors by establishing the Brees Dream Foundation. The foundation's primary aim was to provide support for cancer patients and fund cancer research, a cause close to their hearts as it was established in memory of Brittany's aunt who succumbed to the disease.

2004: Breakout Season with the Chargers

Drew Brees had a breakout year in 2004, earning him a Pro Bowl selection and the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award.

2004: AFC West Champions and Pro Bowl Selection

Drew Brees led the Chargers to a 12-4 regular season record and the AFC West title in 2004. He was also selected to the Pro Bowl and named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

2004: Competition with Philip Rivers

Drew Brees competed with Philip Rivers for the starting quarterback position in 2004, ultimately winning the job after Rivers held out during training camp.

2004: Franchise Tag and Free Agency

Drew Brees became a free agent in 2004 but was designated as a franchise player by the Chargers.

2005: Strengthening Faith

Drew Brees has spoken about how his Christian faith was tested when he suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder in 2005. He views these challenges as experiences that strengthened his relationship with God.

2005: Career-High Passing Yards

Drew Brees stayed with the Chargers for the 2005 season and achieved a career-high in passing yards.

2005: Season-Ending Injury

Drew Brees tore his labrum in the last game of the 2005 season, which required surgery.

2005: Reid Brees and the Baylor Bears in the College World Series

Drew Brees's brother, Reid, played outfield for the Baylor Bears baseball team, which made it to the 2005 College World Series.

2005: Hurricane Katrina Disrupts Saints' Season

In 2005, the New Orleans Saints faced unprecedented challenges when Hurricane Katrina devastated their home city, forcing the team to play their games elsewhere. The team struggled throughout the season, finishing with a disappointing 3-13 record.

January 5, 2006: Shoulder Surgery

Drew Brees underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder on January 5, 2006.

March 14, 2006: Signing with the New Orleans Saints

Drew Brees signed a six-year, $60 million contract with the New Orleans Saints on March 14, 2006.

2006: Joins the New Orleans Saints

Drew Brees signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2006, marking the start of a highly successful period for both him and the franchise.

2006: Strained Relationship with Mother

In 2006, Drew Brees characterized his relationship with his mother as "nonexistent." This estrangement stemmed from Brees's refusal to hire her as his agent when he entered the NFL. He alleged that she interfered with his negotiations with other agents and attempted to sell a story about him to Sports Illustrated without his consent. He also claimed she used his image in television commercials for her campaign for the Texas 3rd Court of Appeals without his permission. Following her passing, Brees clarified that his relationship with his mother had been improving.

2006: Brees Leads Saints to Division Title and Sets Franchise Records

Drew Brees had a remarkable season in 2006, leading the New Orleans Saints to their first NFC South division title after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina the previous year. The team achieved a 10-6 record, securing the NFC's second seed and a first-round bye in the playoffs. During this impressive season, Brees set a franchise record with 4,418 passing yards.

January 5, 2007: Brees Named First Runner-Up for League MVP and Co-Recipient of Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award

On January 5, 2007, Drew Brees was named the first runner-up for the NFL's Most Valuable Player award, coming in behind his former teammate, LaDainian Tomlinson. The same year, he also shared the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award with Tomlinson, recognizing their commitment to philanthropy and community engagement.

January 13, 2007: Brees Leads Saints to First NFC Championship Game Appearance

On January 13, 2007, Drew Brees led the New Orleans Saints to their first-ever NFC Championship game appearance. The Saints secured a 27-24 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Round, marking the franchise's first time advancing to this stage. Despite Brees' efforts in the NFC Championship game, where he threw for 354 yards and two touchdowns, the Saints fell short against the Chicago Bears with a final score of 39-14. Unfortunately, Brees also suffered a dislocated left elbow during the first quarter of the Pro Bowl.

February 18, 2007: Krewe of Bacchus Grand Marshal

Drew Brees received the distinct honor of serving as the Grand Marshal for the Krewe of Bacchus parade, a prominent New Orleans Mardi Gras organization, on February 18, 2007.

2007: Brees Dream Foundation Partners with Operation Kids

In 2007, the Brees Dream Foundation, established by Drew and Brittany Brees, announced a collaborative effort with Operation Kids, an international children's charity. The partnership focused on the reconstruction and revitalization of academic and athletic facilities, parks, playgrounds, after-school programs, mentoring programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities, neighborhood improvement projects, and childcare centers in New Orleans.

2007: Brees Sets NFL Record for Pass Completions

The 2007 NFL season saw Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints facing a difficult start, losing their first four games. Despite the initial setback, the Saints rallied mid-season, reaching a .500 record by week nine. This season proved to be statistically significant for Brees as he broke the NFL record for pass completions in a single season, achieving an impressive 440 completions. This achievement surpassed the previous record held by Rich Gannon. Despite Brees's personal milestones, the Saints concluded the season with a 7-9 record, narrowly missing the playoffs.

February 2008: Chili's Grill & Bar Partnership

Drew Brees inked a promotional agreement with Chili's Grill & Bar in February 2008, lending his star power to promote the restaurant chain's latest hamburger offerings. The promotion incorporated a charitable element, generating funds for worthy causes.

June 2008: Pro Sports Team Challenge Participation

In June 2008, Drew Brees participated in the Pro Sports Team Challenge, an event that brings together professional athletes from various disciplines to raise funds for charities. Brees dedicated his participation to supporting Operation Kids.

2008: Brees Ties Record for 300-Yard Passing Games

Drew Brees achieved a notable statistical milestone during the 2008 NFL season by equaling Rich Gannon's record of ten 300-yard passing games, set in 2002. This accomplishment highlighted Brees's exceptional passing ability and consistency throughout the season. His outstanding performance earned him recognition as the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year and secured his third Pro Bowl selection.

2008: Brees Nearly Breaks Single-Season Passing Yards Record

In 2008, Drew Brees narrowly missed surpassing Dan Marino's 1984 NFL record for most passing yards in a single season, falling short by a mere 15 yards. Despite this near miss, Brees became only the second quarterback in NFL history to throw for over 5,000 yards in a single season. This record-contending season solidified Brees' position as one of the league's premier quarterbacks.

January 2009: Birth of First Son

Drew Brees and his wife welcomed their first son in January 2009.

June 2009: Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp Visit

In June 2009, Drew Brees participated in a USO tour that included a visit to the Guantanamo Bay detention camp. Upon his return, Brees drew both support and controversy for his remarks stating that the detainees at Guantanamo were receiving treatment that was ten times better than what inmates in U.S. prisons experience.

August 7, 2009: Mina Brees, Drew Brees's Mother, Passes Away

Drew Brees's mother, Mina Brees, passed away on August 7, 2009, at the age of 59 from a prescription drug overdose. Her death was ruled a suicide. This event led to Brees taking a leave of absence from training camp to attend to family matters.

2009: Saints Achieve First Undefeated Streak in Franchise History

During the 2009 NFL season, Drew Brees led the New Orleans Saints to an unprecedented achievement in franchise history: an 11-0 start. This remarkable winning streak marked the first time the Saints had ever gone undefeated for such a duration, solidifying their position as a dominant force in the league.

2009: Passing of Mina Ruth Brees

Drew Brees's mother, Mina Ruth Brees, sadly passed away in 2009.

2009: Inducted into Purdue's Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame

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

2009: Brees Ties Franchise Record for Touchdown Passes in a Game

The 2009 NFL season began with Drew Brees making history by tying the New Orleans Saints' franchise record for touchdown passes in a single game. During the season opener against the Detroit Lions, Brees threw an impressive six touchdown passes. This outstanding performance set the tone for a remarkable season for both Brees and the Saints.

February 7, 2010: Super Bowl XLIV Victory and MVP

On February 7, 2010, Drew Brees led the New Orleans Saints to their first Super Bowl victory in franchise history, defeating the Indianapolis Colts 31-17. He tied a Super Bowl record with 32 pass completions and was named the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player.

February 14, 2010: Bacchus XLII Reign

In 2010, Drew Brees was bestowed with the honor of reigning as Bacchus XLII, presiding over the Bacchus parade on February 14, 2010. This celebration coincided with the Mardi Gras season, just one week after his Super Bowl triumph.

March 30, 2010: AdvoCare International Spokesperson

On March 30, 2010, Drew Brees assumed the role of national spokesperson for AdvoCare International, a multi-level marketing company specializing in weight management, nutritional supplements, and personal care products.

April 2010: EA Sports Madden NFL 11 Cover Athlete

Drew Brees was chosen by fans to be the cover athlete for EA Sports' "Madden NFL 11" video game in April 2010.

June 2010: Appointment to President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition

In June 2010, President Barack Obama appointed Drew Brees as co-chair of the newly renamed President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. He shared this responsibility with Dominique Dawes, a former Olympic gymnast.

July 6, 2010: Coming Back Stronger: Unleashing the Hidden Power of Adversity Released

On July 6, 2010, Drew Brees released his first book, "Coming Back Stronger: Unleashing the Hidden Power of Adversity," co-written with Chris Fabry. The book debuted at number three on The New York Times' nonfiction bestseller list.

October 2010: Participation in "It Gets Better" Video

Drew Brees demonstrated his commitment to social causes in October 2010 by participating in an "It Gets Better" video. This video project aimed to deliver a powerful anti-bullying message, particularly in response to a series of suicides by gay teenagers.

October 2010: Birth of Second Son

Drew Brees and his wife welcomed their second son in October 2010.

December 17, 2010: AP Male Athlete of the Year

On December 17, 2010, Drew Brees was named the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year, recognizing his Super Bowl victory and contributions to the reconstruction of New Orleans.

2010: Appearance in Entourage Season 7 Finale

In 2010, Drew Brees made a guest appearance on the Season 7 finale of the HBO series "Entourage."

2010: Saints' Playoff Run and Pro Bowl Selection

In 2010, Drew Brees led the Saints to the playoffs with a 11-5 record, passing for over 300 yards seven times. He was selected to his fifth Pro Bowl. Despite losing in the Wild Card Round to the Seattle Seahawks, his performance solidified his place as a top quarterback.

2010: Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year

In 2010, Sports Illustrated recognized Drew Brees as their Sportsman of the Year. This prestigious accolade was bestowed upon him not only for leading the New Orleans Saints to their first-ever Super Bowl victory but also for his instrumental role in aiding the city's revitalization following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. His decision to reside within the city of New Orleans, rather than the suburbs like many other players, further endeared him to the community.

2010: Recognized as a Big Ten Icon

In 2010, Drew Brees was named one of the Big Ten's best quarterbacks of the 1990s and ranked number 48 on the documentary "Big Ten Icons," which featured the conference's top fifty student-athletes.

2011: Passing "Triple Crown"

Drew Brees achieved a rare feat in 2011, leading the NFL in completion percentage, passing yards, and passing touchdowns, known as the "Triple Crown". This achievement cemented his status as one of the league's most dominant quarterbacks.

2011: Brees Sets Completion Record (2011)

Drew Brees set an NFL record with 468 completions in 2011. This record was later broken by Brees himself in 2016.

2011: Breaking Dan Marino's Passing Record

In a Week 16 game against the Atlanta Falcons in 2011, Drew Brees surpassed Dan Marino's long-standing record for most passing yards in a single season. This achievement was a testament to Brees' consistency and accuracy as a passer.

2011: Griese–Brees Quarterback of the Year Award Established

The Big Ten Conference's Griese–Brees Quarterback of the Year award was initiated in 2011 to honor Drew Brees and Bob Griese.

August 2012: Birth of Third Son

In August 2012, Drew Brees and his wife celebrated the birth of their third son, expanding their family.

2012: Playoff Performance and Pro Bowl Selection

Despite a challenging season in 2012, Drew Brees continued to excel, setting a then-NFL record for passing yards in a playoff game during the Saints' Wild Card Round victory. He was also selected to his sixth career Pro Bowl.

2012: Passing Milestones and Defensive Struggles

In 2012, Drew Brees achieved several passing milestones, including his seventh straight 4,000-yard season, but the Saints struggled defensively, leading to a disappointing 7-9 record and missing the playoffs.

2012: Settling in New Orleans

In 2012, Drew Brees sold his home in San Diego, solidifying his commitment to New Orleans, where he and his wife had embraced the culture and community.

2012: Bountygate and Coaching Changes

The 2012 season saw the Saints navigate the Bountygate scandal, leading to head coach Sean Payton's suspension. Drew Brees played under interim coaches, showcasing his adaptability and leadership.

October 2013: NCAA Record Broken

Drew Brees' NCAA record for pass attempts in a game (83) was broken by Washington State quarterback Connor Halliday in October 2013.

2013: Record-Breaking Season and Playoff Run

The 2013 season saw Drew Brees achieve numerous milestones, including becoming the fastest player to reach 50,000 career passing yards. He led the Saints to the playoffs, where they won the Wild Card Round but fell in the Divisional Round.

2013: Saints Return to Playoffs After Three-Year Hiatus

The New Orleans Saints, led by Drew Brees, made a return to the playoffs in 2013 after a three-season absence. Their playoff run ended in the Divisional Round with a loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

2013: Pro Bowl Selection and Top 100 Ranking

Drew Brees was selected to his seventh Pro Bowl in 2013 as an injury replacement and was ranked 11th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players list, reflecting his consistent excellence.

2013: Peyton Manning Surpasses Passing Record

In 2013, Peyton Manning edged out Drew Brees' single-season passing yardage record by a single yard, further demonstrating the elite level of quarterback play during that era.

August 2014: Birth of Daughter

Drew Brees and his wife welcomed their daughter in August 2014, completing their family with three sons and a daughter.

2014: A Frustrating Season for Brees and the Saints

Drew Brees faced a challenging 2014 season, marked by close losses, including two games decided by field goals in the opening weeks. Despite setting a new NFL record for completion percentage, Brees and the Saints finished 7-9 and missed the playoffs.

2014: Pro Bowl Selection and Top 100 Ranking

Following his impressive 2013 campaign, Drew Brees was selected to his eighth career Pro Bowl and was ranked sixth on the NFL Top 100 Players list, solidifying his place among the league's elite.

2014: Brees Serves on NFLPA Executive Committee

From 2008 to 2014, Drew Brees served on the executive committee of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA). During this period, he played a key role in advocating for players' rights and interests. His leadership and commitment to improving the working conditions for his fellow players demonstrate his influence both on and off the field.

2014: Drew Brees Clarifies Naming Story

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

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

In May 2015, Drew Brees made a business move by acquiring a 25% ownership interest in "Walk-On's Bistreaux & Bar," a sports bar chain that originated in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

October 4, 2015: Brees Achieves Milestones in Saints' Overtime Victory

On October 4, 2015, Drew Brees led the Saints to their first win of the season, throwing for 400 touchdowns in his career, a milestone reached faster than any other player in NFL history. His 80-yard touchdown pass to C.J. Spiller in overtime secured a 26-20 victory against the Dallas Cowboys, marking the quickest regular season overtime win in NFL history.

November 1, 2015: Brees Ties NFL Record with Seven Touchdown Passes

Drew Brees tied the NFL record for most touchdown passes in a single game on November 1, 2015, throwing for seven touchdowns in a 52-49 win over the New York Giants. Brees also surpassed 500 passing yards in this game, making him the second player in NFL history to achieve this feat multiple times.

2015: Brees Earns Recognition Despite Saints' Struggles

Drew Brees was ranked 30th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015. This recognition came despite a frustrating 2014 season for the Saints.

2016: Initial Stance on Kneeling During National Anthem

In 2016, Drew Brees expressed his opinion that kneeling during the national anthem was disrespectful to the flag and the country.

2016: Brees Ties Records, But Saints Fall Short in Season Opener

In the first game of the 2016 season, Drew Brees threw a career-long 98-yard touchdown pass to Brandin Cooks, although the Saints narrowly lost to the Oakland Raiders. This game also saw Brees tie Peyton Manning for the most 400-yard passing games in NFL history.

2016: Brees Sets Records, But Saints Miss Playoffs Again

Despite Drew Brees surpassing several milestones in 2016, including becoming the fastest quarterback to reach 60,000 passing yards and achieving his 10th consecutive 4,000-yard season, the Saints ended the season 7-9, missing the playoffs for the third consecutive year. Brees, however, led the league in passing yards for the sixth time, tied for the most in a single season with Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He was also ranked 30th by fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.

2016: Another Strong Season for Brees, But Saints Struggle Continues

Drew Brees led the NFL in passing yards for the sixth time in his career in 2016, throwing for over 5,000 yards for the fifth time, a record. He also broke his own NFL record for completions, reaching 471. Despite these achievements, the New Orleans Saints finished 7-9, missing the playoffs again.

December 19, 2017: Brees Selected to Pro Bowl, Continues to Climb Career Leaderboard

Drew Brees was named to his 11th Pro Bowl on December 19, 2017. During the 2017 season, he also surpassed Peyton Manning for second place on the NFL's all-time completions list and became the third player in league history to reach 70,000 passing yards.

2017: Brees Sets New Completion Percentage Record, Streak Ends

Drew Brees broke his own NFL record for completion percentage in 2017, achieving a remarkable 74.4% completion rate. However, his streak of 12 consecutive seasons with at least 4,000 passing yards came to an end that year.

2017: Brees Earns Pro Bowl Nod, Ranks High Among Peers

Drew Brees was selected for his tenth Pro Bowl following his impressive 2016 season. He also earned the respect of his peers, ranking 16th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017 list.

2017: Beginning of Four Consecutive Division Titles

From 2017 to 2020, Drew Brees led the Saints to an impressive four consecutive division titles.

March 13, 2018: Brees Signs Contract Extension with the Saints

Drew Brees secured his future with the New Orleans Saints by signing a two-year contract extension worth $50 million on March 13, 2018, with $27 million guaranteed. This contract reflected his continued value to the team.

April 2018: Lawsuit Filed Against San Diego Jeweler

Drew Brees took legal action in April 2018 by filing a lawsuit against a San Diego-based jeweler. The crux of the lawsuit revolved around allegations that Brees and his wife had purchased diamonds, purportedly of investment grade, for a hefty sum of $15 million. However, an independent appraisal later revealed that the diamonds were significantly overvalued, with an actual worth of only $6 million.

2018: Brees Earns Top 10 Ranking in NFL Top 100 Players

Drew Brees' performance in the 2017 season earned him the eighth spot on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018, as voted by his fellow players.

2018: Renaming of Byron "Whizzer" White NFL Man of the Year Award

In a significant move during the fall of 2018, the NFL renamed the prestigious Byron "Whizzer" White NFL Man of the Year Award. The award, originally named in honor of Byron "Whizzer" White, was rededicated to recognize the contributions of Alan Page.

March 2019: New Restaurant Launch with Brandon Landry

March 2019 marked the launch of a new culinary venture for Drew Brees. He teamed up with Brandon Landry, co-founder of the successful Walk-On's Bistreaux & Bar chain, to establish a new restaurant.

June 21, 2019: Resolution of Lawsuit Against San Diego Jeweler

Drew Brees emerged victorious from a lawsuit he filed against a San Diego jeweler in April 2018. The lawsuit stemmed from allegations that Brees and his wife had purchased what they believed to be investment-grade diamonds for $15 million, only to discover through an independent appraiser that their actual value was a mere $6 million. On June 21, 2019, the court ruled in favor of Brees, awarding him $6 million in damages.

August 2019: Expansion of Jimmy John's Franchise

By August 2019, Drew Brees had expanded his business portfolio to include nine Jimmy John's franchises, with plans for a tenth underway. This venture was facilitated by his connection with Carl Buergler, the director of operations at Jimmy John's, who had been Brees's teammate on the Purdue football team.

2019: NFC Championship and MVP Runner-Up

In 2019, Drew Brees led the New Orleans Saints to the NFC Championship game, where they narrowly lost to the Los Angeles Rams in a controversial game. Brees finished second in the MVP voting to Patrick Mahomes.

2019: Record-Breaking Season and Injury

Drew Brees had a season of highs and lows in 2019. He started with a 370-yard game but suffered a thumb injury in Week 2, sidelining him for six weeks. He returned to break Peyton Manning's career touchdown record and set a single-game completion percentage record (96.7%).

2019: Partnership with San Diego Surf Sports

In 2019, Drew Brees entered into a partnership with San Diego Surf Sports, demonstrating his commitment to supporting youth sports in the San Diego area.

March 17, 2020: Contract Extension with the Saints

On March 17, 2020, Drew Brees signed a two-year, $50 million contract extension with the New Orleans Saints, signifying his commitment to the team.

June 3, 2020: Controversy Over National Anthem Comments

On June 3, 2020, amidst the George Floyd protests, Drew Brees sparked controversy when he reiterated his 2016 stance to Yahoo Finance that kneeling during the national anthem disrespected the flag and the United States. This statement drew criticism and anger from several of his teammates and fellow athletes.

July 2020: $5 Million Donation to Ochsner Health System

In July 2020, Drew Brees and his wife, Brittany, made a generous donation of $5 million through their foundation, the Brees Dream Foundation, to Ochsner Health System. This substantial contribution was earmarked for the construction of numerous healthcare centers across Louisiana.

November 15, 2020: Rib Injury and Departure from Game

On November 15, 2020, during a game against the San Francisco 49ers, Drew Brees suffered a rib injury and had to leave the game.

November 20, 2020: Placement on Injured Reserve

Following his rib injury, Drew Brees was placed on injured reserve on November 20, 2020, sidelining him for several games.

December 19, 2020: Return from Injury and Passing Yards Milestone

On December 19, 2020, Drew Brees returned from injury and surpassed Anthony Calvillo for the most career passing yards in professional outdoor gridiron football history.

2020: Pro Bowl Selection and Playoff Loss

In 2020, Drew Brees was selected to his 13th Pro Bowl. However, his Saints lost in the Wild Card Round to the Minnesota Vikings in overtime.

2020: Leads Saints to Ninth Playoff Appearance

In 2020, Drew Brees led the Saints to their ninth playoff appearance during his time with the team.

2020: Retirement from the NFL

After a storied career, Drew Brees announced his retirement from the NFL following the conclusion of the 2020 season.

February 6, 2021: Contract Renegotiation

On February 6, 2021, Drew Brees and the Saints renegotiated his contract, reducing his salary to create salary cap space for the team.

March 14, 2021: Retirement Announcement

After 20 seasons in the NFL, Drew Brees announced his retirement on March 14, 2021.

June 11, 2021: Placement on Reserve/Retired List

The New Orleans Saints officially placed Drew Brees on the reserve/retired list on June 11, 2021.

May 15, 2022: Departure from NBC Sports

Drew Brees left his broadcasting role with NBC Sports on May 15, 2022, after a season as a color analyst.

2022: Return to Purdue as a Coach

In 2022, Drew Brees returned to his alma mater, Purdue University, to take on the role of interim assistant football coach.

2023: Lingering Shoulder Injury Impacts

In 2023, Drew Brees revealed that he was grappling with the long-term effects of a shoulder injury sustained during his time with the San Diego Chargers, leaving him unable to lift his right arm above his shoulder.

History of Drew Brees in Timeline