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FROM TOUGH TIMES TO GOOD,
A city recently ravaged by a catastrophic hurricane signs him instead. The quarterback takes the ragtag bunch of professional castoffs and turns them into unlikely Super Bowl champions, riding high on the admiration and respect of the city he helped rebuild. Sound like an Oscar-worthy screenplay? Nope, just another chapter in the life of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. “I belong in New Orleans, I belong as a Saint,” the 31-year-old told The Associated Press. When he reflects on the trials he’s been through, he comments, “You kind of wonder, why is this happening to me? But it’s to make you stronger, give you an opportunity you didn’t realize you’d have. Coming to New Orleans was a calling for me.” Initially, Brees did not consider the calling ideal. After being drafted in the second round by the San Diego Chargers in 2001, he eventually earned the starting position, often dueling with fellow quarterback and NFL veteran Doug Flutie. In 2004, Brees changed both the shaky Chargers’ fortunes and his own, leading his team to a 12-4 record and AFC championship. He earned the 2004 NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. Brees and his wife Brittany, a fellow Purdue University graduate, loved the city of San Diego and planned on remaining there indefinitely. “I absolutely wanted to stay,” the Dallas, Texas native told Sports Spectrum. “I was part of rebuilding that team and getting them going in the right direction.”
Brees sustained an on-the-ground hit from Denver Broncos defensive tackle Gerard Warren while attempting to recover a fumble. The hit tore a shoulder joint and partially tore his rotator cuff on his right shoulder – his all-important throwing arm. Essentially, the Chargers granted their all-time leader in career completion percentage permission to look elsewhere in the NFL for work. “At the time, I’m thinking this is the worst thing that could ever happen to me,” he told the AP. Only two NFL squads showed any interest in the rehabbed QB and two-time Heisman finalist: the Miami Dolphins and the New Orleans Saints. The Saints, having gone through a recent “career injury” of their own in 2005 with the devastating Hurricane Katrina, were building a team from what Brees called “castaway” free agents. “There were plenty of teams out there that didn’t want us,” Brees said. “But New Orleans wanted us.” Brees signed a six year, $60 million contract with New Orleans in March 2006 and quickly got to work. Over the next three years, he led all passers with 13,910 yards – the second-highest three-season total in NFL history – and threw 88 touchdown passes among his 1,209 completions while making three more Pro Bowl appearances. On Feb. 7, 2010, Brees led the underdog Saints to a 31-17 victory against the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV and was named the game’s MVP. The city of New Orleans, which had lost so much a few years earlier, had found a hero. Dubbed “Breesus” by local fans and inspiring T-shirts depicting him walking on water, the athlete instead gave credit elsewhere. “God is great,” he said, moments after winning American football’s biggest prize. For Brees, the declaration was anything but flippant. Raised in a Christian home, he knew about God but rarely paid Him any attention. At age 17, however, a sermon caught his ear. The pastor spoke about the Lord needing a few good men, referencing the popular 1992 flick A Few Good Men, one of Brees’ favourites. Suddenly, something registered in his soul. “I wanted to be one of those ‘few good men,’ ” Brees told Sports Spectrum. “I really accepted Jesus Christ into my heart.” In an interview with Sharing the Victory, Brees explained that being one of those “few good men” means “trusting in the Lord and the plan He has for your life, that He’ll never put anything in front of you that’s too hard.” To that end, Brees began forging a lasting bond with the cities he played for, embracing his position as a role model. In 2003, Drew and Brittany established the Brees Dream Foundation, raising over $4.5 million for children’s cancer research and community advancement in the Purdue, San Diego, and New Orleans areas to date. The foundation, among other activities, provides funds for new parks, playgrounds, and athletic fields, especially for the rebuilding of New Orleans. “I want to be somebody who is not only a leader on my football team, but a leader in the community, somebody who is going to follow through, be accountable, show integrity, and give back,” he told the AP. Brees’ faith grew even more when son Baylen arrived on Jan. 15, 2009 – Drew’s 30th birthday. “It’s not until you see your child that you realize [birth and parenthood] are truly a gift from God,” he told Sharing the Victory. “There’s no other way it could happen. It’s a miracle.” “Miraculous” is what many call Brees’ career, but he knows who to thank for his team’s success. “[God] has given me these talents and abilities and opportunity for a reason. And I’m going to go forth and make the most of it and give Him the glory.” photo courtesy New Orleans Saints
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