Who is Drew Brees?
Drew Brees is an American National Football League (NFL) player who plays for the New Orleans Saints. The San Diego Chargers signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2001 after a college career with the Purdue Boilermakers.
He left college as one of the most decorated players in Purdue and Big Ten Conference history, establishing two NCAA records, 13 Big Ten Conference records, and 19 Purdue University records.
As of 2016, he remains the Big Ten record-holder in several passing categories, including single-game passing yards (526), single-season passing yards (5,261), single-season touchdown passes (39), and career passing touchdowns (90). For his many accomplishments and records, Brees has been hailed as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
Drew Brees
In 2012, he broke Johnny Unitas’s long-standing record of 47 consecutive games with a touchdown pass. Drew Brees has guided the NFL in passing yards a record six times (2008–2012, 2014), and he is the only quarterback to have thrown for over 5,000 yards in a season five times.
He has also been selected to 11 Pro Bowls, which ties him with Peyton Manning and Bruce Matthews for the most all-time. Brees has led the Saints to 10 winning seasons, six divisional championships (2009–2011, 2013–2016), five NFC South division titles (2006, 2009–2011), and six NFC Championship Game appearances (2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2018, 2019). He has also received numerous accolades and awards throughout his career.
Drew Brees was born in Austin, Texas, on January 15, 1979, to Eugene Wilson “Buddy” Brees II, a distinguished trial lawyer, and Mina Ruth (née Aiken), an attorney.
He has an older brother, Reid. Brees was raised in Westlake, Texas, and attended Westlake High School in Austin, where he played football and basketball for the Westlake Chaparrals. As a senior, he led his basketball team to the state semifinals.
When Brees was five years old, he first started playing organized football and learned
Drew Brees
the game from his father. In high school, Brees set state records for passing yards (5,461) and touchdowns (55).
As a result of his stellar high school career, he was named Gatorade Texas Player of the Year and the Austin American-Statesman Offensive Player of the Year for 1996. Pete Prisco of CBS SportsLine also selected him as one of his High School All-America first team quarterbacks.
In 1997, Brees enrolled at Purdue University and played for the Boilermakers football team under head coach Joe Tiller. He completed his college career as the school’s all-time head in passing yards (11,792), passing touchdowns (90), total offense (12,692), completions (1,026), and attempts (1,678). Brees also had 13 300-yard passing games, which is second only to Ty Detmer’s 15. He graduated from Purdue with a degree in industrial management.
Drew Brees’s Relationship
Drew Brees is married to Brittany Brees (née Dudchenko). The couple met while attending the same high school, Westlake High School in Austin, Texas. They started dating when they were both 16 years old and got married on February 8, 2003.
Brittany and Drew Brees
Children
The couple, Drew Brees and his wife (Brittany), have four children: three sons- Baylen Robert Brees (born January 15, 2009), Bowen Christopher (born October 15, 2010), and Callen Christian (born August 22, 2012) – and a daughter named Rylen Judkins (born July 8, 2014). Brees is also the uncle of former University of Memphis quarterback Brady White.
Brees’s Family
In 2016, Brees was inducted into the Purdue Hall of Fame. In 2017, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Net Worth
Drew Brees has a net worth of $160 million. He is one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, with an annual salary of $25 million. In addition to his salary, he also earns millions of dollars through endorsements. His endorsements include companies such as Nike, Pepsi, Microsoft, and Procter & Gamble.
Charity Work
Brees has been involved in numerous charities throughout his career. In 2003, he and his wife launched the Brees Dream Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting children and families in need. The foundation has raised over $28 million for its various causes. In 2010, Brees was named the NFL Man of the Year for his work with the foundation.
Brees is also a supporter of the American Red Cross, having served as a national spokesperson since 2006. In that capacity, he has helped to raise millions of dollars for the organization.
Drew Brees’s Record-Breaking Season
In 2009, Brees had one of the most successful seasons by a quarterback in NFL history. He set new league records for passing yards (5,476) and completions (468). He also led the New Orleans Saints to their first ever Super Bowl appearance and victory. As a result of his stellar play, he was named the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year and the Super Bowl MVP.
Controversy
In 2017, Brees was criticized for his comments regarding players who kneel during the national anthem. He disagreed with their protests and would never agree with anyone disrespecting the flag. His comments caused a backlash from many people, including members of the Saints organization. However, Brees later clarified his stance and said that he supports the players’ right to protest and that he is not against the message they are trying to send.
Drew Brees’s Legacy
Brees is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. He is the only player in the NFL record to have thrown for over 70,000 yards and won a Super Bowl. In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Brees is also known for his charity work and his leadership role in the community. He is a role model for many people and is widely respected throughout the league.
Retirement
Brees has not announced any plans to retire, but he has said that he plans to play for as long as he is physically able. He has also stated that he would like to eventually become a head coach or an offensive coordinator.
Drew Brees’s Career Earnings
So far in his career, Drew Brees has earned $269 million in salary and bonuses. He is currently signed to a two-year, $50 million contract that includes a $10 million signing bonus. He is also scheduled to earn a $1 million roster bonus and a $1 million workout bonus in 2020. In 2021, the final year of his contract, he is scheduled to earn a base salary of $25 million. He can also earn up to $500,000 in incentives.
In addition to his playing salary, Brees has also earned millions of dollars in endorsements. He has endorsement deals with companies such as Nike, Pepsi, Microsoft, and Procter & Gamble.
Drew Brees’s Endorsements
Nike: In 2012, Brees signed a five-year endorsement deal with Nike. The deal is worth an estimated $5 million per year.
Pepsi: In 2010, Brees signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Pepsi. The details of the deal were not disclosed, but it is believed to be worth several million dollars per year.
Microsoft: In 2013, Brees signed a three-year endorsement deal with Microsoft. The deal is worth an estimated $4 million per year.
Procter & Gamble: In 2015, Brees signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Procter & Gamble. The details of the deal were not disclosed, but it is believed to be worth several million dollars per year.
