Drew Brees

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**Andrew Christopher Brees** (Template:IPAc-en; born January 15, 1979) is an American football quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He had a successful college football career at Purdue University, becoming one of the most decorated players in Purdue and Big Ten Conference history. Brees set two NCAA records, 13 Big Ten Conference records, and 19 Purdue University records during his college career. He remains the Big Ten record-holder in several passing categories, including completions (1,026), attempts (1,678), and yards (11,792). Brees was chosen by the San Diego Chargers with the first pick in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. Brees earned the starting job with the Chargers in 2002 and made the Pro Bowl in 2004. Nine months after suffering a dislocation in his right shoulder joint and a tear of the labrum and rotator cuff, Brees signed with the Saints as a free agent in 2006. He experienced immediate success in New Orleans, leading the Saints to their first-ever Super Bowl in Super Bowl XLIV and helping the team to a 31–17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

Since joining the Saints, Brees has led all NFL quarterbacks in touchdowns, passing yards, and 300-yard games. Brees holds NFL records for career pass completions, career completion percentage, career passing yards, and career touchdown passes. He is also second in regular season career pass attempts, third in regular season career passer rating and fourth in postseason career passer rating. In 2012, he broke Johnny Unitas' long-standing record of consecutive games with a touchdown pass. He has led the NFL in passing yards a record seven times and in passing touchdowns a record-tying four times. Brees has made the Pro Bowl 13 times, was the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year in 2004, was the Offensive Player of the Year in 2008 and 2011, and was the MVP of Super Bowl XLIV. *Sports Illustrated* named Brees its 2010 Sportsman of the Year. Brees is regarded as one of the best pure passers in the NFL's history, and has been hailed as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

## Early life and high school

Andrew Christopher Brees was born on January 15, 1979 in Dallas to Eugene Wilson "Chip" Brees II, a prominent trial lawyer, and Mina Ruth (née Akins; died 2009), an attorney. His grandfather fought in the Battle of Okinawa. A *Sports Illustrated* article stated he was named for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Drew Pearson but in a 2014 interview Brees said this story was "just legend". He has a younger brother, Reid (born 1981). When Brees was seven, his parents divorced and shared custody of the boys, who split their time between both parents' homes. Today, he admits that it was a very tough and challenging life after the divorce; however, Brees and his younger brother, Reid, supported each other and became very close. They have a younger half-sister, Audrey, from their father's remarriage to Amy Hightower, daughter of the late U.S. Representative (D-TX) Jack English Hightower.

Both of Brees' parents had athletic backgrounds. His father played basketball for the Texas A&M Aggies men's basketball team, and his mother was a former all-state in three sports in high school. His maternal uncle, Marty Akins, was an All-American starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns college football team from 1975 to 1977 and his maternal grandfather, Ray Akins, had the third-most victories as a Texas high school football coach in his three decades at Gregory-Portland High School. His younger brother, Reid, was an outfielder for the Baylor Bears baseball team, which made the 2005 College World Series and now resides in Colorado, where he works in sales.

Brees did not play tackle football until high school and was on the flag football team at St. Andrew's Episcopal School, where his teammates included actor Ben McKenzie, who was in the same year. In high school, he was a varsity letterman in baseball, basketball and football and was considering playing college baseball rather than football. College recruiters quickly ran after Brees blew out his knee in the 11th grade. After overcoming an ACL tear during his junior year he was selected as Texas High School 5A Most Valuable Offensive Player in 1996 and led the Westlake High School football team to 16–0 record and state championship. As a high school football player, Brees completed 314 of 490 passes (64.1 percent) for 5,461 yards with 50 touchdowns including, in his senior season, 211 of 333 passes (63.4 percent) for 3,528 yards with 31 touchdowns. Westlake went 28–0–1 when Brees started for two seasons and beat a Dominic Rhodes-led Abilene Cooper 55–15 in the 1996 title game. He was given honorable mention in the state high school all-star football team and the *USA Today* All-USA high school football team alongside former San Diego Chargers teammate and long-time friend LaDainian Tomlinson. Brees had hoped to follow his father and uncle's footsteps and play for the Texas Longhorns or Texas A&M Aggies but was not heavily recruited despite his stellar record.

## College career

Brees received offers from only two colleges, Purdue and Kentucky, choosing Purdue for its highly rated academics. He graduated in 2001 with a degree in industrial management, and is a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.

After a relatively uneventful freshman season, Brees was given his first start during his sophomore year by Boilermakers head coach Joe Tiller and became an integral part of Tiller and Jim Chaney's unorthodox "basketball on grass" spread offense, serving as offensive captain during his junior and senior years. He had the option to make himself available for the 2000 NFL Draft but chose to return for his senior year to complete his studies. In 2000, he led the Boilermakers to memorable last-minute upsets against top-ranked Ohio State and Michigan en route to the Boilermakers' first Big Ten championship (shared with Michigan and Northwestern) since 1967. The Ohio State game was replayed on ESPN Classic and is widely remembered for Brees' four interceptions and 64-yard touchdown pass to Seth Morales with 1:55 remaining to seal a vital 31–27 win, prompting commentator Brent Musburger to exclaim "Holy Toledo!" and a post-game field rush afterwards. Due to head-to-head victories over Michigan and Northwestern, Purdue won the invitation to the 2001 Rose Bowl, Purdue's first appearance there since 1967, where Purdue lost by ten points to the Washington Huskies.

Brees was a finalist for the Davey O'Brien Award as the nation's best quarterback in 1999. He won the Maxwell Award as the nation's outstanding player of 2000 and the NCAA's Today's Top VIII Award as a member of the Class of 2001. Brees was also fourth in Heisman Trophy voting in 1999 and third in 2000. As a senior, Brees became the first Boilermaker since Bruce Brineman in 1989 to earn Academic All-America honors. Additionally, he won Academic All-Big Ten honors a record three times, was initiated into Mortar Board and awarded the Big Ten Medal of Honor and the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Award. Brees also was awarded Purdue's Leonard Wilson Award for unselfishness and dedication.

In his college career, Brees set two NCAA records, 13 Big Ten Conference records, and 19 Purdue University records. He left Purdue with Big Ten Conference records in passing yards (11,792), touchdown passes (90), total offensive yards (12,693), completions (1,026), and attempts (1,678). He tied an NCAA record with the 99-yard pass to receiver Vinny Sutherland against Northwestern on September 25, 1999 and held the NCAA record for pass attempts in a game (83) for 15 years, until Washington State quarterback Connor Halliday broke it in October 2013.

In 2009, Brees was inducted into Purdue's Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame. The Big Ten Conference's Griese–Brees Quarterback of the Year award initiated in 2011 was named in his and Bob Griese's honor. He was named the Big Ten's best quarterback of the 1990s and ranked number 48 on the 2010 documentary *Big Ten Icons*, featuring the conference's top fifty student-athletes.

### San Diego Chargers (2001–2005)

#### 2001 NFL Draft

Brees' college success led to projections that he would be a mid–late first-round draft pick in the 2001 NFL Draft, but he slipped due to concerns about his relatively short stature for a professional quarterback (6'), a perceived lack of arm strength, and a sense that he had succeeded in college in a spread offense. Brees was the second quarterback, behind Michael Vick of Virginia Tech, selected in the 2001 Draft, chosen by the San Diego Chargers as the first pick of the second round and 32nd overall. San Diego originally had the first pick in that draft, but traded it to Atlanta (who drafted Vick) in return for the fifth pick of the first round; which San Diego drafted LaDainian Tomlinson.

#### Early career

*See also: 2001 San Diego Chargers season, 2002 San Diego Chargers season, and 2003 San Diego Chargers season*
In his rookie season, Brees was the backup quarterback to Doug Flutie, who started all 16 games that season. Brees played in his first professional game on November 4, 2001 against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8. He came into the game to relieve Flutie, who had suffered a concussion. He finished with 221 passing yards and his first career passing touchdown, a 20-yard pass to Freddie Jones. The game against the Chiefs was Brees's lone appearance as a rookie.

On August 19, 2002, he was named the starter for the 2002 season over Doug Flutie. Brees started all 16 games for the Chargers. The season started off well for the Chargers with a 6–1 start, but faded down the stretch with a 2–7 record over the last nine games to finish 8–8. He finished the 2002 season with 3,284 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions.

In Week 4 of the 2003 season, Brees recorded a 21-yard touchdown reception on a pass thrown by LaDainian Tomlinson in the 34–31 overtime loss to the Oakland Raiders. After a disappointing 1–7 start to the 2003 season, Brees was replaced by Flutie, though he regained the job by Week 15. In 11 games, he finished with 2,108 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.

#### 2004 season

*See also: 2004 San Diego Chargers season*
Brees' career with the Chargers was in jeopardy after San Diego acquired NC State's Philip Rivers after the 2004 NFL Draft. With a looming quarterback controversy, he performed well through training camp and the preseason, while Rivers held out during training camp, essentially guaranteeing him the job to begin the season with Rivers as his backup.

Brees remained the starter throughout the 2004 season, where he started 15 games and led the team to a 12–4 regular season record. In Week 8, against the Oakland Raiders, he was 22 of 25 for 281 yards and five touchdowns in the 42–14 victory to earn his first AFC Offensive Player of the Week honor. Brees posted spectacular numbers, completing 65.5% of his passes for 3,159 yards, with 27 touchdowns to only seven interceptions, giving him a 104.8 passer rating. The Chargers won the AFC West for the first time in 10 seasons and Brees was selected to the 2004 Pro Bowl. He was named 2004 NFL Comeback Player of the Year. In the Wild Card Round against the New York Jets, Brees had 319 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and one interception in the 20–17 overtime loss.

#### 2005 season

*See also: 2005 San Diego Chargers season*
Brees became a free agent after the 2004 season and was not expected to return to San Diego, which had already committed a large sum of money to Rivers. The team eventually designated Brees a franchise player, giving him a one-year contract that quadrupled his pay to $8 million for 2005. Under the terms of the franchise player contract, Brees was eligible to be traded or to sign with another team, but the Chargers would receive two future first round draft choices in return. He was not traded and continued as the starting quarterback for the remainder of the 2005 season.

After a 1–2 start, Brees helped lead a 41–17 victory over the New England Patriots. He was 19 of 24 for 248 passing yards and two touchdowns and earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week for the effort. He posted a career-high in passing yards with 3,576. Brees also posted an 89.2 rating, 10th best in the NFL. However, in the last game of the 2005 season against the Denver Broncos, Brees tore his labrum while trying to pick up his own fumble after being hit by Broncos safety John Lynch. Denver tackle Gerard Warren hit Brees while he was on the ground, causing the injury. Brees underwent arthroscopic surgery, performed by Dr. James Andrews, to repair the torn labrum in his right (throwing) shoulder on January 5, 2006. Subsequent reports mentioned additional rotator cuff damage and he also was treated by Dr. Saby Szajowitz to recover and regain muscle movement.

After the season, the Chargers offered Brees a five-year, $50 million contract that paid $2 million in base salary the first year and the rest heavily based on performance incentives.

### New Orleans Saints (2006–present)

After the Chargers refused to increase their offer, Brees met with other teams. The New Orleans Saints and the Miami Dolphins were interested in Brees. New Orleans made an offer that included $10 million in guaranteed money the first year and a $12 million option the second year. Miami was unsure whether Brees' shoulder was completely healed and doctors suggested the team should not sign him because of the injury. The Dolphins ended negotiations and traded for Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper instead. Brees signed a six-year, $60 million deal with the Saints on March 14, 2006.

#### 2006 season

*See also: 2006 New Orleans Saints season*
Brees had a productive first year with the Saints. The team, under first-year head coach Sean Payton, rebounded from its disastrous 2005 season (when the team was unable to play in New Orleans due to the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina and struggled to a 3–13 record) to finish with a 10–6 regular season record and won the NFC South division title. On November 5, in the 31–14 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he had 314 passing yards and three touchdowns to earn his first NFC Offensive Player of the Week honor. On November 19, in a 31–16 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, he threw for a career-high 510 passing yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. In Week 14, a 42–17 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, he had 384 passing yards and five touchdowns to earn his second NFC Offensive Player of the Week award in 2006. Brees threw a league-leading and franchise record 4,418 passing yards, finished third in the league with 26 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions, and had a 96.2 passer rating. Brees was named starting quarterback for the NFC in the 2007 Pro Bowl and was named as a First-team All-Pro. On January 5, 2007, Brees was named first runner-up behind former teammate Tomlinson for league MVP by the Associated Press. Brees and Tomlinson were co-recipients of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.

On January 13, 2007, in his first playoff game for New Orleans, Brees was 20–of–32 in passing attempts with one touchdown and no interceptions against the Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Round at the Louisiana Superdome. The Saints held on to win 27–24, and advanced to the franchise's first NFC Championship Game against the Chicago Bears. Though he completed 27-of-49 passes for 354 yards against the Chicago Bears, and two touchdowns, Brees committed three costly turnovers, and was penalized for an intentional grounding in the endzone, resulting in a safety, as the Saints lost in the NFC Championship by a score of 39–14. Brees dislocated his left elbow during the first quarter of the Pro Bowl.

#### 2007 season

*See also: 2007 New Orleans Saints season*
Brees's second season with the Saints started rough with an 0–4 start, with three losses by the Saints in that stretch by at least 17 points. However, the Saints started a winning streak after Week 5. In Week 8, a 31–10 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, he had 336 passing yards and four touchdowns to earn NFC Offensive Player of the Week. After the next game, a 41–24 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Saints were back at .500 with a 4-4 record. In Week 15, a 31–24 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, he had 315 passing yards and two touchdowns to earn another NFC Offensive Player of the Week nod in 2007. Overall, in the 2007 season, Brees passed for 4,423 yards, topped his own record and tied a then franchise record with 28 touchdowns. He also set the NFL record previously held by Rich Gannon for pass completions in a single season with 440. However, the Saints missed the playoffs with a 7–9 record.

#### 2008 season

 File:Drew Brees Saints 2008.jpg
*See also: 2008 New Orleans Saints season*
In 2008, the Saints again missed the playoffs but Brees had a strong year statistically, finishing 15 yards short of the NFL record for passing yards thrown in a single season set by Dan Marino in 1984. In Week 6, a 34–3 victory over the Oakland Raiders, he was 26 of 30 for 320 yards and three touchdowns to earn NFC Offensive Player of the Week. In Week 8, a 37–32 victory over the San Diego Chargers, he had 339 passing yards and three touchdowns to earn another NFC Offensive Player of the Week nod. In Week 12, a 51–29 win over the Green Bay Packers, he had 323 passing yards and four touchdowns to earn his third NFC Offensive Player of the Week honor in 2008. He finished the season with 5,069 yards and became the second quarterback in NFL history to throw for over 5,000 yards in a season.

He passed for 300 yards ten times during the 2008 season, tying Rich Gannon's 2002 record. He was named FedEx Air Player of the Week for his performances during Weeks 8 and 12 and was named the AP 2008 Offensive Player of the Year. He was named to his third career Pro Bowl for his 2008 season.

Brees started to serve on the Executive Committee of the National Football League Players Association this season. He remained on the committee through the 2014 season.

#### 2009 season: Super Bowl XLIV

*See also: 2009 New Orleans Saints season*
In the first game of the 2009 season against the Detroit Lions, Brees set a career-high and franchise-tying record with six touchdown passes, going 26 out of 34 for 358 yards. He earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Lions. The next week, Brees led the Saints to a 48–22 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, throwing for 311 yards and three touchdown passes. Brees also tied the record for most touchdown passes by the end of Week 2 with nine touchdowns. In Week 6 against the 5–0 New York Giants, Brees completed 23 of 30 passes for 369 yards, four touchdown passes, and a passer rating of 156.8 in a dominant 48–27 victory to his second NFC Offensive Player of the Week nod of the season.

In Week 7, Brees led a dramatic comeback victory on the road against the Miami Dolphins, 46–34. The Saints quickly faced a 24–3 deficit in the second quarter, trailing for the first time all season at that point, and failing to score on their first possession as they had in all of their previous contests. Brees had a poor outing, but provided two crucial rushing touchdowns, one just before halftime to narrow the deficit to 24–10, and one in the third quarter to give the Saints their first lead of the game, 37–34.

The next week, Brees threw for 308 yards on 25 of 33 passing along with two touchdowns and one interception in leading the Saints to a 35–27 victory and franchise tying best start at 7–0 against the rival Atlanta Falcons. In week 9, Brees helped guide the team to a 30–20 victory over the Carolina Panthers. This was Brees's first victory over the Carolina Panthers in the Superdome and gave the Saints their best ever start in franchise history at 8–0. In Week 12, Brees led the Saints to an 11–0 record, defeating the New England Patriots 38–17 on *Monday Night Football*. Brees totaled 371 yards passing, posting a perfect passer rating of 158.3, and became the first player to throw for five touchdowns against a team coached by Bill Belichick. He earned his third NFC Offensive Player of the Week nod for the 2009 season. After close victories over the Washington Redskins and Falcons in successive weeks to start 13–0, Brees and the Saints lost for the first time that season to the Dallas Cowboys, 24–17, after DeMarcus Ware caused a Brees fumble in the final seconds, ending a fourth quarter rally. The Saints lost their last two games, with Brees sitting out the Week 17 finale against the Carolina Panthers. Their 13–3 record secured the #1 seed in the NFC.

Brees' individual statistics led to numerous accolades, including a Pro Bowl selection, the Maxwell Football Club's Bert Bell Award, and runner-up in voting for the AP MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, and All-Pro awards. He finished the season with a completion percentage of 70.62, establishing a new NFL record.

In the Divisional Round, Brees recorded 247 passing yards and three touchdowns as the Saints routed the Arizona Cardinals 45–14. In the NFC Championship, The Saints defeated the Minnesota Vikings 31–28 in overtime. Brees completed 17 of 31 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns. The Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts 31–17 in Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010. Brees tied a Super Bowl record with 32 pass completions and won the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award. He threw for 288 yards and two touchdowns. It was the first league championship in Saints franchise history. Brees was named the 2010 *Sports Illustrated* Sportsman of the Year, both for his winning the Super Bowl and his charitable work towards the reconstruction of New Orleans. On December 17, 2010, he was named AP Male Athlete of the Year. Within four short years after joining the Saints, Brees was more accurate in his throws than any of the Saints' past quarterbacks. Brees and his teammates were welcomed back to New Orleans with a blues band along with thousands of celebrating fans.

 File:Drew Brees after winning Super Bowl XLIV Jan. 7th, 2010.jpg
#### 2010 season

*See also: 2010 New Orleans Saints season*
Brees started the 2010 season with 237 yards and one passing touchdown in a 14–9 win over the Minnesota Vikings in a rematch of the previous years' NFC Championship. In Week 3, against the Atlanta Falcons, he threw for 365 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions in a 27–24 loss. In Week 11, against the Seattle Seahawks, he threw for a regular season-high 382 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions in a 34–19 victory. In 2010, the Saints qualified for the playoffs with a 11–5 record, but were eliminated in the Wild Card Round by the Seattle Seahawks by a score of 41–36 in the Beast Quake game. Brees finished with 404 passing yards and two passing touchdowns in the loss. Brees was selected to his fifth Pro Bowl-fourth with the Saints. Brees had a less successful season statistically, throwing a career-high 22 interceptions, tying the franchise record held by Aaron Brooks, although he managed to throw 33 touchdowns. He was ranked ninth on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011 players' list.

#### 2011 season

*See also: 2011 New Orleans Saints season#Individual Records Set or Tied*
The 2011 season was a record-breaking season for Brees as he led the NFL in completion percentage, passing yards and passing touchdowns, which is known as the "Triple Crown". He broke Dan Marino's 27-year-old record for most passing yards in one season (5,084) in the 15th game of the season (week 16) against the Atlanta Falcons at home in New Orleans at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome with a touchdown pass to Darren Sproles. Brees also set a new Saints franchise record for passing touchdowns in a season with 46.

In Week 2, during the Saints' home-opener, Brees defeated the Chicago Bears for the first time in his career as a starting quarterback, leaving the Baltimore Ravens as the only remaining NFL team which Brees had never beaten to that point. On October 23, in a 62–7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, he was 31 of 35 for 325 passing yards and five touchdowns. He earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Colts. On November 28, a Week 12 49–24 victory over the New York Giants, he had 363 passing yards and four touchdowns to earn NFC Offensive Player of the Week. In a home game on December 4 against the Detroit Lions, Brees passed for 342 yards. Brees' performance gave him 4,031 yards on the season, making him the first quarterback in NFL history to eclipse the 4,000-yard mark in the first 12 games of a season, and the first quarterback to reach four consecutive seasons with 4,000+ yards and 30+ touchdown passes. In week 15 against the Minnesota Vikings, Brees threw for 412 yards with five passing touchdowns. With that game, Brees became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for five touchdowns, 400+ yards, while also maintaining a completion percentage of 80%, in a game.

In Week 16 against the Atlanta Falcons at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Brees broke Dan Marino's long standing record of passing yards in a single season of 5,084 with a nine-yard touchdown pass to Darren Sproles with just under three minutes left in the fourth quarter of the game. He needed 305 yards to break the record entering the game and exceeded that mark with 307. He ended the game having thrown for 5,087 total passing yards for the regular season with one regular season game remaining. With his second-quarter, eight-yard touchdown pass to Marques Colston, Brees extended his streak of consecutive games with a touchdown pass to 42 games. Marino congratulated Brees via Twitter after the game, saying "Congrats to @drewbrees. Great job by such a special player." Brees responded by tweeting, "Thanks to @DanMarino for his class and support during this run. It is an honor to attempt to follow the example he set for us all." He earned his third and final NFC Offensive Player of the Week honor for the 2011 season with his performance against the Falcons.

In Week 17 against the Carolina Panthers, Brees closed out the season by setting six NFL records, finishing the year with 468 completions for 5,476 yards, edging Tom Brady of the New England Patriots, who also surpassed Marino's record with 5,235 yards. Brees averaged 342.25 yards passing per game, which broke Dan Fouts' record of 320.3 in a strike-shortened Template:Nfly season. In 2013, Peyton Manning bested Brees' record by one passing yard, and finished the season with an NFL-record 5,477 passing yards, averaging 342.31 yards per game. In the NFC Wild Card Round, Brees passed for 466 yards and three passing touchdowns as the Saints defeated the Detroit Lions by a score of 45–28. However, Brees and the Saints lost in the Divisional Round to the San Francisco 49ers by a score of 36–32 in a back-and-forth contest. In the loss, Brees passed for 462 passing yards, four passing touchdowns, and two interceptions. He was named to his sixth career Pro Bowl. He was ranked as the second-best player in the league by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012.

#### 2012 season

 File:Brees 2013 Pro Bowl Cropped.jpg
*See also: 2012 New Orleans Saints season*
On July 13, the Saints and Brees agreed to a five-year, $100 million contract. The contract included the largest amount of guaranteed money in NFL history, at $60 million. $40 million of the contract was paid the first year.

Brees started the season with 339 passing yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions in a 40–32 loss to the Washington Redskins. In Week 4, he passed for 446 yards and three touchdowns in a 28–27 loss to the Green Bay Packers. In Week 5, Brees threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to Devery Henderson against his former team, the San Diego Chargers. This was his 48th consecutive game with a touchdown pass. With that touchdown pass, Brees broke Johnny Unitas's consecutive game streak with at least one touchdown pass, and Unitas' son Joe was present at the Superdome to witness his father's 52-year-old record being broken. Sean Payton, Joe Vitt and Mickey Loomis, who were all serving suspensions due to the "Bountygate" scandal, were granted permission to watch the Week 5 game against the San Diego Chargers due to Brees potentially breaking Unitas' record. Brees earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his 370-yard, four-touchdown, and one-interception effort against the Chargers. Without their head coach, the Saints had lost their first four games but ended the losing streak with a 31–24 win over the Chargers.

In the Week 13 game against the Atlanta Falcons, Brees threw no touchdowns and a career-high five interceptions, ending his consecutive game streak with at least one touchdown pass at 54. In Week 14, against the New York Giants, Brees threw for 354 yards, giving him his seventh straight 4,000-yard passing season, surpassing Peyton Manning's record of sixth straight seasons. It was also his fifth straight season with at least 30 touchdown passes and 4,000 yards passing, also an NFL record. Brees managed to finish the 2012 season with 5,177 passing yards and 43 touchdowns despite having the worst defensive support in the NFL, whose 7,042 yards conceded was an all-time NFL record, and the team finished the season with a 7–9 record and missed the playoffs.

For the seventh time, Brees was selected to the 2013 Pro Bowl, this time as an injury replacement for Robert Griffin III. He was ranked 11th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013.

#### 2013 season

*See also: 2013 New Orleans Saints season*
Brees started the 2013 season with 357 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in the 23–17 home victory over the Atlanta Falcons. In Week 4, a 38–17 home victory over the Miami Dolphins, he had 413 passing yards and four touchdowns to earn NFC Offensive Player of the Week. In Week 10, a 49–17 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, he had 392 passing yards and four touchdowns to earn another NFC Offensive Player of the Week honor. In Week 12, Brees passed Warren Moon for fifth on the career passing yards list with 49,566. During Week 14, Brees became the fastest player ever to join the 50,000-yard club and only the fifth player to do so. He did it in 183 games, passing the 50,000 milestone on a pass to Jimmy Graham in the fourth quarter of a 31–13 Saints win over the Carolina Panthers on December 8, in which he threw four touchdowns. In Week 17, a 42–17 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he had 381 passing yards and four touchdowns to earn his third NFC Offensive Player of the Week nod for the 2013 season. Brees also extended his NFL record to a sixth straight season of at least 30 touchdown passes with 4,000 passing yards, his third straight 5,000-yard season, and his eighth straight 4,000-yard season. For his successful performance in 2013, he was named to his eighth career Pro Bowl. The Saints finished with an 11–5 record and narrowly defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round, but lost to the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional Round, who went on to win Super Bowl XLVIII. He finished ranked sixth by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014.

#### 2014 season

*See also: 2014 New Orleans Saints season*
Brees admits that the 2014 season was his "most frustrating". The Saints finished with a 7–9 record and missed the playoffs. Brees' 2014 season began with a pair of games lost on game-ending field goals by the other team; in Week 1, the Saints lost 37–34 on the road to the Atlanta Falcons in overtime and in Week 2, in a 26–24 road loss to the Cleveland Browns, he moved into fourth place on the career passing yardage list, ahead of John Elway. On October 19, in a road game against the Detroit Lions, Brees became the NFL's all-time leader in completion percentage at 66.21%, surpassing Chad Pennington. On November 30, in a Week 13 35–32 road victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, he had 257 passing yards and five touchdowns to earn NFC Offensive Player of the Week, which was the 20th time in his career he has earned the award over his career in both the AFC with the Chargers and the NFC with the Saints. In a Week 15 road game against the Chicago Bears, he extended his streak to an NFL-record seventh straight season with at least 30 touchdown passes and nine straight seasons of 4,000 passing yards. However his streak of 5,000 passing yard seasons ended at three, as he passed for 4,952 yards, which was good enough to tie him with Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for the most passing yards in the league that season. He was named to his seventh consecutive and ninth career Pro Bowl. He was ranked 30th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015.

 File:Drew Brees 2015.jpg
#### 2015 season

*See also: 2015 New Orleans Saints season*
Brees and the Saints started the 2015 season with an 0–3 start with two of the losses being by one possession. On October 4, 2015, in Week 4, his 80-yard touchdown pass to C. J. Spiller on the second play of overtime gave the Saints a 26–20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, and the team's first win of the season. He earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his effort against the Cowboys. The touchdown gave Brees 400 for his career, making him the fifth player in NFL history to reach the 400 touchdown milestone. Also, he became the fastest player ever to reach 400 touchdowns, doing so in 205 games. Brees also completed his 5,000th pass with a touchdown to tight end Josh Hill. It was the quickest regular season overtime win in the history of the NFL at 13 seconds.

On November 1, 2015, Brees tied the NFL record of touchdown passes in a game with seven during a 52–49 Saints win over the New York Giants. In that game, he completed 39-of-50 passes for 505 yards to record his second career game with at least 500 passing yards. He became the second player in NFL history to have multiple 500-yard passing games. He earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his historic performance against the New York Giants.

In Week 12, his streak of 45 consecutive games with a touchdown pass ended in a 24–6 loss at Houston. Two weeks later, he surpassed Dan Marino for fourth in career touchdown passes as the Saints beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by a score of 24–17. In Week 15, he became the fourth quarterback to reach the 60,000-yard milestone—in 215 games, the fastest ever—and had his 10th straight 4,000-yard season, plus his 94th 300-yard game, but the Detroit Lions won 35–27. This put him first in most 300-yard games as Brees and Manning had been tied at 93 games prior to that game. A week later, his streak was extended to an eighth straight season with at least 30 touchdown passes, plus his 95th 300-yarder, all NFL records, against the Jacksonville Jaguars. With a Week 17 win over the Atlanta Falcons, Brees finished the season with four straight 300-yard games, for a career record total of 96, and a season total 4,870 yards passing, leading the league in passing yards for a record sixth time despite missing one game due to an injury. Despite the accomplishments on the field, the Saints finished with a 7–9 record and missed the playoffs. He was ranked 30th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.

#### 2016 season

*See also: 2016 New Orleans Saints season*
Template:External media
In the Saints' 2016 season opener, Brees threw a career-high 98-yard touchdown pass to Brandin Cooks in a narrow 35–34 home loss to the Oakland Raiders. He finished the game 28–of–42 for 423 yards and four touchdown passes. His 400-yard performance tied him with Peyton Manning for the most 400-yard passing games in NFL history. The next week, he passed Dan Marino for third place in career passing yards in a loss to the New York Giants.

On October 16, in Week 6, Brees threw for 465 yards and four touchdown passes with one interception in a 41–38 home win over the Carolina Panthers. With this performance, Brees set an NFL record with the 15th 400-yard passing performance of his career. Brees reached another milestone in the game, becoming the sixth player to record 50,000 passing yards with one team. The other five players are Peyton Manning (Indianapolis Colts), Brett Favre (Green Bay Packers), Dan Marino (Miami Dolphins), Tom Brady (New England Patriots), and John Elway (Denver Broncos).

In Week 7, Brees became the first player in NFL history with 100 games of 300+ passing yards, in a loss against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 23.

During Week 16, Brees and Aaron Rodgers tied the NFL record for most seasons with at least 35 touchdown passes with four—a record shared with Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.

Brees finished the 2016 season leading the league in passing yards with 5,208, the second most of his career and the fifth 5,000-yard season of his career—more than all other 5,000-yard seasons combined (4). He threw for 471 completions, breaking his NFL record of 468 set in 2011, and a career-high 673 attempts. Brees finished third in touchdown passes with 37, the fourth most of his career. He finished second in completion percentage (70.0%), making it the third time he has completed at least 70% of his passes in a season. Despite his performance, for the third straight season, the Saints finished 7–9 and missed the playoffs. He was named to his tenth career Pro Bowl for his 2016 season. He was ranked 16th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.

#### 2017 season

*See also: 2017 New Orleans Saints season*
After starting off the 2017 season with a 29–19 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on *Monday Night Football*, Brees looked to bounce back in Week 2 against the New England Patriots. In the 36–20 loss, he was 27-of-45 for 356 yards and two touchdowns.
During Week 10 against the Buffalo Bills, Brees was held to 184 passing yards, but the Saints combined for 298 rushing yards and won 47–10. In Week 13, he passed Peyton Manning for second place in career completions in a 31–21 victory over the Carolina Panthers. On December 19, 2017, Brees was named to his 11th career Pro Bowl. During Week 16 against the Atlanta Falcons, Brees became the third player to amass over 70,000 passing yards in a career, doing so in an NFL fastest 248 games. In that game he also earned his 12th straight 4,000-yard season and finished the game with 239 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception as the Saints won 23–13. Brees finished the 2017 season by setting a then-NFL record 72.0 completion percentage. He also led the league in number of completions (386) and yards per pass attempt (8.1), and came in second in passer rating (103.9).

The Saints finished with an 11–5 record, won the NFC South, and returned to the playoffs for the first time since the 2013 season. In the Wild Card Round against the Carolina Panthers, he had 376 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in the 31–26 victory. In the Divisional Round against the Minnesota Vikings, he had 294 passing yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions in the 29–24 loss. He was ranked eighth by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.

#### 2018 season

*See also: 2018 New Orleans Saints season*
On March 13, 2018, Brees signed a two-year, $50 million contract extension with the Saints with $27 million guaranteed.

In Week 1, Brees threw for more than 400 yards for a record 16th time in his career, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won 48–40. In Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons, Brees broke Brett Favre's record for career pass completions in the second quarter with his 6,301st career completion. In that game, a 43–37 overtime Saints victory, Brees threw for 396 yards and three touchdowns, and also ran for two more scores, including the game-winner in overtime, earning him NFC Offensive Player of the Week. In Week 5 on *Monday Night Football* against the Washington Redskins, Brees broke Peyton Manning's all-time passing yardage record with a 62-yard touchdown pass to Tre'Quan Smith late in the second quarter. He went on to complete 26 of 29 passes, setting a then career-high 89.66 single-game completion percentage, for 363 yards and three touchdowns in the 43–19 victory, earning him NFC Offensive Player of the Week for the second time in three weeks. Following a bye week, Brees finally claimed his first career victory against the Baltimore Ravens with a score of 24–23, making him the third quarterback in NFL history to beat all 32 teams, joining Peyton Manning and Brett Favre. During this game, Brees also became the fourth quarterback in NFL history, along with Manning, Favre, and Tom Brady, to reach 500 career touchdown passes when he threw a 1-yard touchdown to Benjamin Watson. After a season-low 120 yards and his first interception of the season in a win over the Minnesota Vikings, Brees logged 346 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions to hand the Rams their first loss of the season in Week 9. In a Week 10 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, Brees passed Brett Favre for second in career passing touchdowns with a 17-yard touchdown to Michael Thomas in a 51–14 victory. Brees was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Month for his performance during the month of November.

Brees finished the season with 364 completions, 489 attempts, 3,992 passing yards, 32 passing touchdowns and five interceptions over 15 games. He sat out the season finale after the Saints had clinched the NFC's #1 seed the week prior. He set an NFL record for completion percentage (74.4%), breaking his previous record (72.0%) set in Template:NFL year, and led the league in passer rating (a career high of 115.7). However, with his 3,992 yards, his NFL record streak of 12 consecutive seasons with at least 4,000 passing yards came to an end. He led the league with six fourth quarter comebacks and seven game-winning drives.

In the Divisional Round against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Saints started badly, quickly falling into a 14–0 hole, but recovered and scored 20 unanswered points over the final three quarters to win and advance to their first NFC Championship Game since their 2009 Super Bowl winning season. Brees completed 28 of 38 passes for 301 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in the win. In the NFC Championship, Brees passed for 249 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception as the Saints lost 26-23 in overtime to the Los Angeles Rams following a controversial missed pass interference call on a play that started at the Rams' 13-yard line with 1:49 left in regulation. If called, the penalty could have allowed the Saints to run out most of the clock, due to the Rams having only one timeout remaining, and try a go-ahead field goal that would have likely won the game for New Orleans. Brees became the first and only player in NFL history to throw touchdown passes to 15 different players (of which nine were undrafted) in a single season, including the playoffs. He finished second in the MVP voting to Patrick Mahomes. He was ranked as the second best player in the NFL by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019.

#### 2019 season

*See also: 2019 New Orleans Saints season*
 File:Drew Brees.png
In the first game of the season, a *Monday Night Football* match against the Houston Texans, Brees threw for 370 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception as the Saints overcame a slow start to win 30–28. In the Saints' Week 2 game against the Los Angeles Rams, Brees completed 3 of 5 passes for 38 yards and an interception before an injury to his right hand forced him out of the game. The next day, an MRI revealed that Brees had suffered a torn ligament in the thumb of his right hand, which would require surgery and reportedly cause him to miss six to eight weeks. Brees returned in Week 8 against the Arizona Cardinals, finishing with 373 passing yards, three touchdowns, and an interception as the Saints won 31–9. In Week 11 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brees threw for 228 yards and three touchdowns in the 34–17 win. In Week 12, against the Carolina Panthers, he passed for 311 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in the 34–31 win. In Week 14 against the San Francisco 49ers, Brees completed 29 of 40 passes for 349 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions and scored a one-yard rushing touchdown, but his efforts were in vain as the Saints narrowly lost 48–46. During Week 15 against the Indianapolis Colts on *Monday Night Football*, Brees broke former Colts quarterback Peyton Manning's record for most career touchdowns, throwing his 540th to tight end Josh Hill on his career-best 20th straight completion in the third quarter. Brees's record-breaking touchdown pass was his third touchdown pass on the night. He finished the game with four touchdowns and 304 yards as the Saints defeated the Colts by a 34–7 score. In addition, Brees completed 29 of his 30 pass attempts for a career high and NFL single game record 96.7% completion percentage rate, surpassing the previous record (28 out of 29 passes for a 96.6% completion percentage rate) which had been set the previous year by his former Chargers teammate Philip Rivers. In the following week's game against the Tennessee Titans, Brees threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns during the 38–28 win. During the game, Brees helped wide receiver Michael Thomas break the single season receptions record formerly held by Marvin Harrison with his 144th catch of the season. In Week 17 against the Carolina Panthers, Brees threw for 253 yards and three touchdowns during the 42–10 win. In the 2019 season, Brees appeared in 11 games and finished with 2,979 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and four interceptions. He finished with a completion percentage of 74.34%, which finished second in NFL history to his record from the previous season.

In the NFC Wild Card game against the Minnesota Vikings, Brees threw for 208 yards, one touchdown, and one interception during the 26–20 overtime loss.

#### 2020 season

*See also: 2020 New Orleans Saints season*
On March 17, 2020, Brees signed a two-year, $50 million contract extension with the Saints.

## Career awards and records

*Main article: List of career achievements by Drew Brees*
Brees has earned several awards in both college and the NFL, including:

* Super Bowl MVP (XLIV)
* 13× Pro Bowl (2004, 2006, 2008–2014, 2016–2019)
* First-team All-Pro (2006)
* 4× Second-team All-Pro (2008, 2009, 2011, 2018)
* 2× NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2008, 2011)
* *Sports Illustrated* Sportsman of the Year (2010)
* Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year (2010)
* Bert Bell Award (2009)
* Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2006)
* NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2004)
* Maxwell Award (2000)
* 2× Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year (1998, 2000)

Major NFL records held by Brees include:

* Most career regular season passing touchdowns: 547
* Most career passing yards
* Most career pass completions
* Most pass completions in a season
* Highest career completion percentage
* Highest single-season completion percentage
* Highest single-game completion percentage
* Most touchdown passes in a game (tied)
* Most consecutive games with a touchdown pass

## Personal life

Brees married his college sweetheart Brittany Dudchenko in February 2003. The couple have four children together; three sons born January 2009, October 2010, and August 2012, and a daughter in August 2014.

 File:Drew Brees announces the Saints' draft pick at the NFL 2010 Draft.jpg
Brees moved to New Orleans not long after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. He admits that it was tough moving to a city that was still in shambles from the hurricane; however, he and Brittany immediately fell in love with the culture and "soul" of the city. They purchased and renovated a home in Uptown New Orleans, where they still live. Brees admits in an interview that he thinks his family is now completed especially because three boys and one girl were always the couple's dream. All four children were born in New Orleans and are being raised there. The four priorities in Brees' life are faith, family, football, and philanthropy; otherwise known as the "four F's" by Brees. Brees maintains his offseason home in San Diego.

Brees was raised as a Christian but stated that he only became committed at age 17 when he was at church with a torn ACL and was wondering who he was and what his purpose was in life. Brees later faced other trials such as tearing his shoulder in 2005; however, he maintains that these setbacks only strengthened his relationship with God.

A birthmark on the right side of his face led to bullying when he was young.

On July 6, 2010, Brees released his first book, entitled *Coming Back Stronger: Unleashing the Hidden Power of Adversity*, co-authored by Chris Fabry. *Coming Back Stronger* opened at number 3 on the nonfiction bestseller list of *The New York Times*.

Brees' mother, Mina Brees, died on August 7, 2009, aged 59, from a prescription drug overdose. The death was ruled a suicide. Brees was briefly excused from training camp for a "family matter". In 2006, Brees described their relationship as "nonexistent" ever since he refused to hire his mother as his agent when he entered the NFL. After her death, Brees stated that this quote was three years old and that his relationship with his mother had been improving. In his autobiography, released almost a year later, he wrote that their relationship had been on the mend and that she had been looking forward to her meeting his son; her first grandchild.

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

Brees wears #9 on his uniform in honor of late baseball player Ted Williams.

Brees is sometimes known by the nicknames "Breesus" by Saints fans and "Cool Brees", which he acquired during his younger years for his calmness under pressure.

On March 30, 2010, Brees became the national spokesperson for AdvoCare International, a multi-level marketing company, which produces weight management, nutritional supplement, and personal care products.

 File:Drew Brees Kuwait 2.jpg
Brees owns a variety of restaurant businesses. In May 2015, he purchased a 25% stake in "Walk-On's Bistreaux & Bar", a sports bar that originated in Baton Rouge and is currently expanding their franchising into other Gulf Coast states. In 2019, he opened a Walk-On's restaurant in Midland, Texas. During initial talks with Walk-On's, Brees said that he was interested in bringing over some of the lessons that he had learned as a Jimmy John's franchise owner. He currently owns nine Jimmy John's stores with a tenth under construction as of August 2019[update]Template:Dated maintenance category. Carl Buergler, Jimmy John's director of operations, played football at Purdue with Brees.

When Brees broke the NFL record for all-time passing yards, he sent a personalized football and letter to those players that helped him reach the milestone.

Brees utilizes former Major League Baseball player and coach Tom House as his mechanics coach.

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

He is a Republican.

## Charity and volunteer activities

In 2010, *Sports Illustrated* described Brees as "an athlete as adored and appreciated as any in an American city today". When *Sports Illustrated* selected him for the 2010 Sportsman of the Year award, it said the award was "[f]or not only leading the New Orleans Saints to the first Super Bowl title in the franchise's history, but also for helping lead the city of New Orleans' rebirth after the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina". The fact that he and his family lived in New Orleans proper, instead of the suburbs like many players did, further endeared him to fans.

### Brees Dream Foundation

In 2003, Brees and his wife, Brittany, founded the Brees Dream Foundation to support cancer patients and research in memory of Brittany's aunt who died of cancer. Since Brees' move to New Orleans, the foundation has expanded to provide assistance for Hurricane Katrina rebuilding projects. The foundation continues to fund and support various programs in San Diego, California, where Brees usually spends his offseasons, and West Lafayette, Indiana, where the couple's alma mater, Purdue, is located and where Brees returns to visit yearly.

Brees and his foundation have been heavily involved in Hurricane Katrina recovery. Drew and Brittany's Brees Dream Foundation announced a partnership in 2007 with international children's charity Operation Kids, to rebuild and restore and recreate academic and athletic facilities, parks, and playgrounds, after-school programs, mentoring programs for the intellectually disabled, neighborhood revitalization projects and child care facilities in New Orleans. Brees also sponsors the Rebuilding Through Brotherhood program to invite fellow Sigma Chi members to the New Orleans community to build homes with the Habitat for Humanity.

### Other activities

 File:Football players visit Guantanamo.jpg
Brees has been on multiple USO tours throughout his career. In late June 2009, he visited the Guantanamo Bay detention camp. Following his return, Brees was quoted as stating that Guantanamo captives were being treated ten times better than convicts in U.S. prisons.

In February 2008, Brees signed a promotional deal with Chili's Grill & Bar to promote the chain's new line of hamburgers. The promotion helped raise money for charity. In June 2008, Brees participated in the Pro Sports Team Challenge, a competition for professional athletes to help raise money for charities. The charity Brees played for was Operation Kids.

On February 18, 2007, Brees was honored by the Krewe of Bacchus, a New Orleans Mardi Gras parade organization, as the 2007 Grand Marshal of the Bacchus parade. Brees presided as Bacchus XLII for the 2010 parade on February 14, 2010, one week after the Super Bowl during Mardi Gras season.

In June 2010, President Obama appointed Brees to be co-chair of the newly renamed President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, along with former Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes.

In October 2010, Brees appeared in an It Gets Better video, in which he gave an anti-bullying message in the wake of a series of suicides committed by gay teenagers.

In April 2018, Brees filed a lawsuit against a San Diego jeweler. The lawsuit claims Brees and his wife paid $15 million for investment-grade diamonds that an independent appraiser valued at only $6 million. On June 21, 2019, Brees was awarded $6 million in the lawsuit.

In March 2019, Brees partnered with Brandon Landry, co-founder of Walk-On's, launching a new restaurant.

## See also

* List of NCAA major college football yearly total offense leaders
* List of gridiron football quarterbacks passing statistics
* List of most consecutive games with touchdown passes in the National Football League
* List of most consecutive starts by a National Football League quarterback
* List of National Football League career passer rating leaders
* List of National Football League career passing completions leaders
* List of National Football League career passing touchdowns leaders
* List of National Football League career passing yards leaders
* List of National Football League career quarterback wins leaders
* List of National Football League quarterback playoff records
* List of NFL quarterbacks who have passed for 500 or more yards in a game
* List of NFL quarterbacks who have posted a perfect passer rating
* List of NFL quarterbacks with 5,000 passing yards in a season

## References

1. ↑ "News at 10 P.M.", WWL-TV (November 3, 2009). "Drew also told Juan [Kincaid] that the correct pronunciation of his last name is "breece", not "breeze". He says the mispronunciation caught on in middle school, and rather than fight it he just went with it."
2. ↑ Sherman, Rodger (October 9, 2018). "The Case for Drew Brees As the Quarterback GOAT". https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2018/10/9/17956106/drew-brees-career-passing-yards-record-qb-greatness.
3. ↑ Machota, Jon (December 19, 2012). "Former Cowboys fan Drew Brees has 'extra motivation' this week". https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboysheadlines/2012/12/19/former-cowboys-fan-drew-brees-has-extra-motivation-this-week.
4. ↑ Erickson, Joel A. (December 27, 2017). "'He taught me so much': Drew Brees remembers his grandfather, legendary Texas coach Ray Akins" (in en). https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article\_d0453acc-2327-5778-947f-246beed7b40c.html.
5. ↑ Template:Cite journal
6. ↑ Morale, Amos (December 2, 2014). "Drew Brees says reports about the Saints replacing him have 'absolutely no validity'" (in en-US). https://www.nola.com/saints/2014/12/drew\_brees\_tells\_show\_reports.html.
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Template:Cite journal
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10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Huppke, Rex W. (April 24, 1999). "Focused and Having Fun, Drew Brees Tries to Keep Dreams in Check", Purdue University Athletics.
11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 "Drew Brees Book Excerpt: 'Coming Back Stronger'", ABC News (July 6, 2010).
12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Drew Brees". New Orleans Saints. http://www.neworleanssaints.com/team/roster/Drew-Brees/09634fe8-9ab7-4f47-a5ea-c0fb5ad343a9.
13. ↑ Duncan, Jeff (December 22, 2012). "Drew Brees' greatest influence might be his grandfather, Ray Akins", *The Times-Picayune*.
14. ↑ "Drew Brees the athlete deserves credit", *The Times-Picayune* (February 2, 2010).
15. ↑ "Reid Brees Biography". Baylor Bears Athletics. http://www.baylorbears.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/brees\_reid00.html.
16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Bishop, Greg (February 5, 2010). "Brees's Colleagues See an Amazing Athlete Within", *The New York Times*.
17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 McMullen, Paul (September 1, 2000). "'Cool Brees' is hot commodity", *The Baltimore Sun*.
18. ↑ "Drew Brees". http://www.nfl.com/players/profile?id=BRE229498.
19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "Drew Brees Profile - Purdue". Purdue University Athletics. http://www.purduesports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/brees\_drew00.html.
20. ↑ "Football State Archive". http://www.uiltexas.org/football/archives/P144.
21. ↑ "All-USA high school football", *USA Today* (January 9, 1997).
22. ↑ "Football All-Stars". Texas High School Coaches Association. http://thsca.pointstreaksites.com/files/uploaded\_documents/386/AS-FB\_6.pdf.
23. ↑ "'A Football Life': The LT and Brees connection". NFL. September 3, 2013. http://www.nfl.com/videos/a-football-life/0ap2000000237948/A-Football-Life-The-LT-and-Brees-connection.
24. ↑ Bohls, Kirk (February 19, 2013). "Bohls: Brees left home, but made it proud", *Austin American-Statesman*.
25. ↑ Template:Cite journal
26. ↑ "Delta Delta Chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity". thesighouse.com. http://www.thesighouse.com/visitors/introToDeltaDelta.html.
27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Brunt, Cliff (September 24, 2008). "Purdue coach Tiller's spread offense leaves mark", *USA Today*.
28. ↑ "Drew's Bio". DrewBrees.com. http://www.drewbrees.com/bio.
29. ↑ Layden, Tim (April 30, 2001). "Drew Brees" (in en). https://www.si.com/vault/2001/04/30/8095409/hang-time-with-his-future-up-in-the-air-purdues-drew-brees-like-many-top-prospects-lived-in-a-maddening-limbo-from-new-years-to-draft-day-working-out-for-nfl-teams-watching-his-draft-status-rise-and-fall-never-knowing-which-pro.
30. ↑ "NCAA Football – Ohio State vs. Purdue", *USA Today* (October 28, 2000).
31. ↑ "Big Ten Conference Index" (in en). https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/big-ten/.
32. ↑ "Football Game Notes – vs. No. 4 Ohio State", Purdue University Athletics (October 28, 2013).
33. ↑ Miller, Travis (May 27, 2008). "Best Wins of the Tiller Era #1 Ohio State 2000". SB Nation. http://www.hammerandrails.com/2008/05/best-wins-of-tiller-era-1-ohio-state.html.
34. ↑ Trotter, Jim (September 8, 2002). "Mr. Cool — Quarterback Brees has a knack for coming through in the clutch", *U-T San Diego*.
35. ↑ "Purdue wins share of Big Ten title", Associated Press, ESPN (November 18, 2000).
36. ↑ "Year-by-Year Finalists" (in en-US). https://daveyobrienaward.org/year-by-year-finalists/.
37. ↑ "Maxwell Award Winner – Drew Brees", *Maxwell Football Club*, Maxwell Football Club.
38. ↑ "2001 Today's Top VIII reflect student-athlete leadership", NCAA (December 18, 2000).
39. ↑ "1999 Heisman Trophy Voting" (in en). https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/heisman-1999.html.
40. ↑ "First Team All-Americans". Purdue University Athletics. http://www.purduesports.com/trads/all-americans.html.
41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 "Purdue Graduation Briefs – Brees throws touchdowns in game of life", purdue.edu (April 27, 2001).
42. ↑ Template:Cite magazine
43. ↑ "Purdue's Brees heads 2000 football Academic All-Americans", NCAA (December 18, 2000).
44. ↑ "Media Guide – Academic All-Big Ten Honorees", Purdue University Athletics (2007), p. 51.
45. ↑ "Conference Medal of Honor Winners". http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/big10/genrel/auto\_pdf/2013-14/misc\_non\_event/2013-14MedalofHonor.pdf.
46. ↑ "Three NFF Scholar-Athletes Picked In NFL Draft", National Football Foundation (April 27, 2001).
47. ↑ "Brees Named National College Scholar-Athlete", Purdue University Athletics (November 1, 2000).
48. ↑ "Brees Named Football Most Valuable Player" (in en). November 20, 2000. http://purduesports.com/news/2000/11/20/Brees\_Named\_Football\_Most\_Valuable\_Player.aspx.
49. ↑ "Week 1 Cradle Of Quarterbacks Feature: Drew Brees, 1997–2000", Purdue University Athletics (August 30, 2010).
50. ↑ "Heisman Watch '99". September 25, 1999. https://www.espn.com/ncf/s/heisman/0925.html.
51. ↑ "Connor Halliday breaks Drew Brees' record with 89 pass attempts" (in en). October 20, 2013. https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/news/ncaa-passing-record-89-passes-connor-halliday-drew-brees/obe5c7355a4kzultmle2n8nc.
52. ↑ "Purdue Intercollegiate Athletics Hall Of Fame". http://www.purduesports.com/school-bio/pur-hallfame.html.
53. ↑ "Griese, Brees, Woodson will have Big Ten awards in their names" (in en). December 13, 2010. https://www.purdueexponent.org/sports/article\_6c646d9e-06ef-11e0-9af0-00127992bc8b.html.
54. ↑ "Drew Brees – 1990s Best Quarterbacks". Big Ten Network. http://btn.com/video/315254851594/.
55. ↑ "'Big Ten Icons' Countdown Continues With Brees", Purdue University Athletics (September 3, 2010).
56. ↑ "'Big Ten Icons' to Count Down Conference's All-Time Top 50 Student-Athletes", Big Ten Conference (March 4, 2010).
57. ↑ "Big Ten Icons – Drew Brees". bigtenicons.com. http://www.bigtenicons.com/openlocker.cfm?id=48&name=DREW-BREES.
58. ↑ Kiper, Mel (March 29, 2001). "Kiper's first-round draft projection", ESPN.
59. ↑ 59.0 59.1 "Trade works well as Chargers get Tomlinson, then Brees", *AP at Sports Illustrated* (April 21, 2001).
60. ↑ "2001 San Diego Chargers Statistics & Players" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2001.htm.
61. ↑ "Throwback Thursday: Chiefs defeated Drew Brees in his 1st career game" (in en). October 20, 2016. https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/2016/10/20/throwback-thursday-chiefs-defeated-drew-brees-in-his-1st-career-game/.
62. ↑ "Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – November 4th, 2001" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200111040sdg.htm.
63. ↑ "Brees named Chargers' starting QB". United Press International. August 19, 2002. https://www.upi.com/Archives/2002/08/19/Brees-named-Chargers-starting-QB/9221029729600/.
64. ↑ "2002 San Diego Chargers Statistics & Players" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2002.htm.
65. ↑ "Drew Brees 2002 Game Log" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2002.
66. ↑ "OT Victory has Raiders on Upswing" (in en-US). https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2003-09-29-0309290341-story.html.
67. ↑ "Drew Brees recalls game that saved his job, catapulted career" (in en). November 20, 2015. https://www.espn.com/blog/new-orleans-saints/post/\_/id/19507.
68. ↑ "2003 San Diego Chargers Statistics & Players" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2003.htm.
69. ↑ "Drew Brees 2003 Game Log" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2003.
70. ↑ "2004 NFL Draft Listing" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/draft.htm.
71. ↑ Engel, Mac. "Looking Back: When the Chargers had two MVP caliber quarterbacks on their roster". https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/article223379285.html.
72. ↑ "2004 San Diego Chargers Statistics & Players" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2004.htm.
73. ↑ "Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – October 31st, 2004" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200410310sdg.htm.
74. ↑ "2004 NFL Week 8 Leaders & Scores" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/week\_8.htm.
75. ↑ "Drew Brees 2004 Game Log" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2004.
76. ↑ Acee, Kevin (January 7, 2005). "Once maligned, now divine", *San Diego Union-Tribune*, U-T San Diego.
77. ↑ "2004 NFL Pro Bowlers" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/probowl.htm.
78. ↑ "What a comeback: Brees runs away with award" (in en). January 6, 2005. https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=1960406.
79. ↑ "Wild Card - New York Jets at San Diego Chargers - January 8th, 2005" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200501080sdg.htm.
80. ↑ "San Diego Chargers – Players". The San Diego Chargers. http://www.chargers.com/team/roster/Drew-Brees/BRE229498.
81. ↑ "San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots – October 2nd, 2005" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200510020nwe.htm.
82. ↑ "2005 NFL Week 4 Leaders & Scores" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/week\_4.htm.
83. ↑ "Drew Brees 2005 Game Log" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2005.
84. ↑ "2005 NFL Passing" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/passing.htm.
85. ↑ "Brees suffers torn labrum, faces four-month rehab" (in en). January 2, 2006. https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2278077.
86. ↑ Vaccaro, Mike (February 2, 2010). "Brees, like New Orleans, had to start over" (in en). https://nypost.com/2010/02/02/brees-like-new-orleans-had-to-start-over/.
87. ↑ "Dr. James Andrews on Drew Brees: 'Most remarkable comeback that I've ever treated'" (in en). https://www.si.com/si-wire/2014/06/13/james-andrews-drew-brees-remarkable-comeback.
88. ↑ "Drew Brees' profile – The American version" (in da-DK). August 25, 2011. https://www.neworleanssaints.dk/drew-brees-the-american-version/.
89. ↑ "Drew Brees Contract History" (in en-US). February 15, 2016. https://whodatwarriors.com/2016/02/15/drew-brees-contract-history/.
90. ↑ "The Dolphins actually passed on Drew Brees twice" (in en). October 9, 2018. https://ftw.usatoday.com/2018/10/nfl-saints-drew-brees-dolphins-2001-draft-josh-heupel-daunte-culpepper.
91. ↑ Kirwin, Pat (February 9, 2011). "Teams must be kicking themselves for not drafting Rodgers". http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81e3bc82/article/teams-must-be-kicking-themselves-for-not-drafting-rodgers-?module=HP\_cp2.
92. ↑ "Vikings deal Culpepper to Miami for second-round pick" (in en). March 14, 2006. https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2368259.
93. ↑ "Brees takes money, runs to Saints" (in en). March 14, 2006. http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2368304.
94. ↑ "2006 New Orleans Saints Statistics & Players" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2006.htm.
95. ↑ "New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – November 5th, 2006" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200611050tam.htm.
96. ↑ "2006 NFL Week 9 Leaders & Scores" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2006/week\_9.htm.
97. ↑ "Cincinnati Bengals at New Orleans Saints – November 19th, 2006" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200611190nor.htm.
98. ↑ "New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys – December 10th, 2006" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200612100dal.htm.
99. ↑ "2006 NFL Week 14 Leaders & Scores" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2006/week\_14.htm.
100. ↑ "Drew Brees 2006 Game Log" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2006.
101. ↑ "2006 NFL Pro Bowlers" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2006/probowl.htm.
102. ↑ "2006 NFL All-Pros" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2006/allpro.htm.
103. ↑ "MVP Winners: 2001-2010" (in en). November 2, 2011. https://mvpvoting.wordpress.com/2001-2010/.
104. ↑ "Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year" (in en). http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82059f05/article/walter-payton-nfl-man-of-the-year.
105. ↑ "Divisional Round – Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints – January 13th, 2007" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200701130nor.htm.
106. ↑ Wilner, Barry (January 22, 2007). "Bears reach first Super Bowl in 21 years". https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/recap;\_ylt=AnvlF4Cz0U8fEkX29CykCwE5nYcB?gid=20070121003&prov=ap.
107. ↑ "Brees dislocates non-throwing elbow in Pro Bowl". February 11, 2007. http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2761463.
108. ↑ "Manning, Colts Rout Saints 41-10" (in en-US). September 7, 2007. https://oklahoman.com/article/3121845/manning-colts-rout-saints-41-10/.
109. ↑ "New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - September 16th, 2007" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200709160tam.htm.
110. ↑ Newberry, Paul. "'This is a tough one': Monday night football: Titans 31, Saints 14" (in en). https://tucson.com/sports/football/professional/nfl/this-is-a-tough-one-monday-night-football-titans-saints/article\_c535cc03-6470-53b7-9edd-180f588a511b.html.
111. ↑ "New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers – October 28th, 2007" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200710280sfo.htm.
112. ↑ "2007 NFL Week 8 Leaders & Scores" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/week\_8.htm.
113. ↑ "Saints Get Back to .500" (in en-US). November 5, 2007. https://oklahoman.com/article/3164185/saints-get-back-to-500/.
114. ↑ "Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints – December 16th, 2007" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200712160nor.htm.
115. ↑ "2007 NFL Week 15 Leaders & Scores" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/week\_15.htm.
116. ↑ "Drew Brees 2007 Game Log" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2007.
117. ↑ "NFL Passes Completed Single-Season Leaders" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass\_cmp\_single\_season.htm.
118. ↑ "2007 NFL Standings & Team Stats" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/index.htm.
119. ↑ "Brees finishes 15 yards shy of Marino's mark". http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2008/dec/29/brees-finishes-15-yards-shy-of-marinos-mark/.
120. ↑ "Oakland Raiders at New Orleans Saints – October 12th, 2008" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200810120nor.htm.
121. ↑ "2008 NFL Week 6 Leaders & Scores" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/week\_6.htm.
122. ↑ "San Diego Chargers at New Orleans Saints – October 26th, 2008" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200810260nor.htm.
123. ↑ "2008 NFL Week 8 Leaders & Scores" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/week\_8.htm.
124. ↑ "Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints – November 24th, 2008" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200811240nor.htm.
125. ↑ "2008 NFL Week 12 Leaders & Scores" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/week\_12.htm.
126. ↑ "Drew Brees 2008 Game Log" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2008.
127. ↑ "NFL Passing Yards Single-Season Leaders" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass\_yds\_single\_season.htm.
128. ↑ "Kasay helps Panthers solidify NFC's No. 2 seed with win over Saints". Associated Press via NFL.com. December 28, 2008. http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/recap?game\_id=29776&displayPage=tab\_recap.
129. ↑ "Saints QB Brees is AP Offensive Player of Year" (in en). January 6, 2009. https://www.deseretnews.com/article/705275593/Saints-QB-Brees-is-AP-Offensive-Player-of-Year.html.
130. ↑ "2008 NFL Pro Bowlers" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/probowl.htm.
131. ↑ Triplett, Mike. "New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees proud of his stand against the NFL" (in en). https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article\_251f89aa-3107-5ab1-8d99-05b52362e267.html.
132. ↑ Pelissero, Tom (March 18, 2014). "Three candidates emerge in race for NFLPA president", *USA Today*.
133. ↑ Pelissero, Tom (March 19, 2014). "Brees steps down from NFLPA committee", ESPN.
134. ↑ "Brees, Saints kicked off historic season vs. Lions". http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000606062/printable/brees-saints-kicked-off-historic-season-vs-lions.
135. ↑ "2009 NFL Week 1 Leaders & Scores" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2009/week\_1.htm.
136. ↑ "New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles – September 20th, 2009" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200909200phi.htm.
137. ↑ Guee, Joe. "IT WON'T BE A BREES, BUT A BILLSTAMPEDE WILL COOL OFF THE SAINTS" (in en). https://bleacherreport.com/articles/261037-it-wont-be-a-brees-but-a-billstampede-will-cool-off-the-saints.
138. ↑ "New York Giants at New Orleans Saints – October 18th, 2009" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200910180nor.htm.
139. ↑ "2009 NFL Week 6 Leaders & Scores" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2009/week\_6.htm.
140. ↑ Allee-Walsh, Brian. "Saints still perfect after thrilling comeback win over Dolphins" (in en). https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article\_569c3e13-b654-567f-81c8-1c0fa3734392.html.
141. ↑ "Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints – November 2nd, 2009" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200911020nor.htm.
142. ↑ "Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints – November 8th, 2009" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200911080nor.htm.
143. ↑ Duncan, Jeff. "Remembering Patriots-Saints in 2009 when Drew Brees authored the best passing performance in modern NFL history" (in en). https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article\_31dd4b8e-66c1-5d82-a4ff-0498df421308.html.
144. ↑ "New England Patriots at New Orleans Saints – November 30th, 2009" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200911300nor.htm.
145. ↑ "2009 NFL Week 12 Leaders & Scores" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2009/week\_12.htm.
146. ↑ "Dallas Cowboys at New Orleans Saints – December 19th, 2009" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200912190nor.htm.
147. ↑ "New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers - January 3rd, 2010" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201001030car.htm.
148. ↑ "2009 New Orleans Saints Statistics & Players" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2009.htm.
149. ↑ Aymond, Brady. "Savior Saint", *The Advertiser*.
150. ↑ "2009 NFL Pro Bowlers" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2009/probowl.htm.
151. ↑ "Bert Bell Award (Player of the Year) Winners" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/bert-bell-award.htm.
152. ↑ Martel, Brett (December 31, 2009). "Like Williams, Brees prefers to play for record", Associated Press in Seattle Times.
153. ↑ "Record & Fact Book", *NFL.com*, NFL.com.
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155. ↑ Bell, Jarrett (February 7, 2010). "Saints stump Colts 31–17 to win franchise's first Super Bowl title", *USA Today*.
156. ↑ 156.0 156.1 Layden, Tim (November 30, 2010). "New Orleans Saints' Drew Brees named SI's Sportsman of the Year", *Sports Illustrated*.
157. ↑ "Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints - September 9th, 2010" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201009090nor.htm.
158. ↑ "Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints - September 26th, 2010" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201009260nor.htm.
159. ↑ "Seattle Seahawks at New Orleans Saints - November 21st, 2010" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201011210nor.htm.
160. ↑ "Lynch, Seahawks run past Saints" (in en). https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/2014/01/12/lynch-seahawks-run-past-saints-/4434553/.
161. ↑ "Wild Card – New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks – January 8th, 2011" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201101080sea.htm.
162. ↑ Thorman, Joel (December 28, 2010). "2011 NFL Pro Bowl: NFC Ties Scoring Record In 55-41 Win". https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2010/12/28/1900658/2011-pro-bowl-rosters-announced-nfl-network.
163. ↑ "NFL Network series ranks the 100 best players of 2011". March 21, 2011. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81edf13e/article/nfl-network-series-ranks-the-100-best-players-of-2011.
164. ↑ "Top 100: Drew Brees". http://www.neworleanssaints.com/media-center/videos/Top-100-Drew-Brees/82bbf7d9-60e3-4048-8aab-2a3610c676f1.
165. ↑ "NFL Triple Crown winners". NFL. June 7, 2014. http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap2000000356600/NFL-Triple-Crown-winners.
166. ↑ "Drew Brees sets single-season passing record as Saints clinch NFC South", Associated Press, ESPN (December 26, 2011).
167. ↑ "Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints – September 18th, 2011" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201109180nor.htm.
168. ↑ "Indianapolis Colts at New Orleans Saints – October 23rd, 2011" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201110230nor.htm.
169. ↑ "2011 NFL Week 7 Leaders & Scores" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/week\_7.htm.
170. ↑ "New York Giants at New Orleans Saints – November 28th, 2011" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201111280nor.htm.
171. ↑ "2011 NFL Week 12 Leaders & Scores" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/week\_12.htm.
172. ↑ "Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints – December 4th, 2011" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201112040nor.htm.
173. ↑ "New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings – December 18th, 2011" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201112180min.htm.
174. ↑ "400+ pass yds, 5+ TD, 80% comp". https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/pgl\_finder.cgi?request=1&match=game&year\_min=1950&year\_max=2016&season\_start=1&season\_end=-1&age\_min=0&age\_max=0&pos=0&game\_type=R&career\_game\_num\_min=0&career\_game\_num\_max=499&game\_num\_min=0&game\_num\_max=99&week\_num\_min=0&week\_num\_max=99&c1stat=pass\_yds&c1comp=gt&c1val=400&c2stat=pass\_td&c2comp=gt&c2val=5&c3stat=pass\_cmp\_perc&c3comp=gt&c3val=80&c4stat=choose&c4comp=gt&c5comp=choose&c5gtlt=lt&c6mult=1.0&c6comp=choose&order\_by=game\_date.
175. ↑ Brees, Drew (December 26, 2011). "Thanks to @DanMarino for his class and support during this run. It is an honor to attempt to follow the example he set for us all". https://twitter.com/drewbrees/status/151564613664772096.
176. ↑ Duncan, Jeff (December 30, 2011). "Records keep piling up for the New Orleans Saints: First-and-10", *The Times-Picayune*.
177. ↑ "2011 NFL Week 16 Leaders & Scores" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/week\_16.htm.
178. ↑ Smith, Michael David (January 1, 2012). "Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Matthew Stafford all top 5,000 yards" (in en). https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/01/01/drew-brees-tom-brady-matthew-stafford-all-top-5000-yards/.
179. ↑ "NFL Single-Season Passing Yards per Game Leaders". https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass\_yds\_per\_g\_single\_season.htm.
180. ↑ Cacciola, Scott (December 13, 2011). "The NFL's Mount Passmore", *The Wall Street Journal*.
181. ↑ "Peyton Manning sets mark for passing yards in season" (in en). http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000305757/article/peyton-manning-sets-mark-for-passing-yards-in-season.
182. ↑ "Wild Card – Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints – January 7th, 2012" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201070nor.htm.
183. ↑ Branch, John (January 14, 2012). "49ers Beat Saints in a Shootout" (in en-US). https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/15/sports/football/49ers-beat-saints-in-a-shootout.html.
184. ↑ "Divisional Round – New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers – January 14th, 2012" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201140sfo.htm.
185. ↑ "2011 NFL Pro Bowlers" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/probowl.htm.
186. ↑ "'The Top 100: Players of 2012': Drew Brees" (in en). http://www.nfl.com/videos/new-orleans-saints/09000d5d82a2ae47/The-Top-100-Players-of-2012-Drew-Brees.
187. ↑ Mortensen, Chris (July 13, 2012). "Sources: Drew Brees, Saints agree", *espn.com*.
188. ↑ "Washington Redskins at New Orleans Saints - September 9th, 2012" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209090nor.htm.
189. ↑ "New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers - September 30th, 2012" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209300gnb.htm.
190. ↑ "'NFL Films Presents': Brees breaks Unitas' record", NFL (November 24, 2012).
191. ↑ Copeland, Kareem (October 3, 2012). "SEAN PAYTON, JOE VITT ALLOWED TO ATTEND SAINTS GAME". NFL. http://wap.nfl.com/news/0ap1000000069267/brees-request-allows-payton-vitt-to-attend-saints-game.
192. ↑ "San Diego Chargers at New Orleans Saints – October 7th, 2012" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201210070nor.htm.
193. ↑ "2012 NFL Week 5 Leaders & Scores" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/week\_5.htm.
194. ↑ "2012 New Orleans Saints Statistics & Players" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2012.htm.
195. ↑ "Falcons pick off Brees 5 times, beat Saints 23–13", *CNN*.
196. ↑ "Underpowered In NY: Giants, Wilson Pound Mistake-Prone Saints 52-27" (in en). December 9, 2012. https://www.neworleansprofootball.com/2012/12/underpowered-in-ny-giants-wilson-pound.html.
197. ↑ Raborn, Tyler. "New Orleans Saints: The 2012 Defense Broke a Record and the Bank" (in en). https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1568281-new-orleans-saints-the-2012-defense-broke-a-record-and-the-bank.
198. ↑ "2012 New Orleans Saints Statistics & Players" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2012.htm.
199. ↑ "Drew Brees replacing injured RG3 on NFC's Pro Bowl roster". January 9, 2013. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000124329/article/drew-brees-replacing-injured-rg3-on-nfcs-pro-bowl-roster.
200. ↑ "2012 NFL Pro Bowlers" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/probowl.htm.
201. ↑ "'Top 100 Players of 2013': Drew Brees" (in en). http://www.nfl.com/videos/new-orleans-saints/0ap2000000212740/Thomas-Morstead-Russell-Wilson-Jermond-Bushrod-Gerald-McCoy.
202. ↑ "Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints - September 8th, 2013" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309080nor.htm.
203. ↑ "Miami Dolphins at New Orleans Saints – September 30th, 2013" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309300nor.htm.
204. ↑ "2013 NFL Week 4 Leaders & Scores" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/week\_4.htm.
205. ↑ "Dallas Cowboys at New Orleans Saints – November 10th, 2013" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311100nor.htm.
206. ↑ "2013 NFL Week 10 Leaders & Scores" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/week\_10.htm.
207. ↑ McGarry, Tim (December 8, 2013). "Drew Brees joins the 50,000-yard club", *USA Today*.
208. ↑ "Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints – December 8th, 2013" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201312080nor.htm.
209. ↑ "Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints – December 29th, 2013" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201312290nor.htm.
210. ↑ "2013 NFL Week 17 Leaders & Scores" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/week\_17.htm.
211. ↑ Gantt, Darin (December 8, 2013). "Sunday night wrap-up: Brees joins select company". NBC Sports. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/12/08/sunday-night-wrap-up-brees-joins-select-company.
212. ↑ "2013 NFL Pro Bowlers" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/probowl.htm.
213. ↑ "NFL 2013 Playoff Schedule - NFL.com". http://www.nfl.com/schedules/2013/POST.
214. ↑ "'Top 100 Players of 2014': Drew Brees" (in en). http://www.nfl.com/videos/new-orleans-saints/0ap2000000363944.
215. ↑ King, Peter (January 4, 2016). "An Aging Star, A Lost Season" (in en). Time Inc.. https://www.si.com/2015/01/26/drew-brees-new-orleans-saints.
216. ↑ "Payton promises change after Saints go 7-9" (in en). https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/12/30/payton-promises-change-after-saints-go-7-9/21064105/.
217. ↑ "New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons – September 7th, 2014" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409070atl.htm.
218. ↑ "New Orleans Saints at Cleveland Browns – September 14th, 2014" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409140cle.htm.
219. ↑ Triplett, Mike (September 15, 2014). "Colston shut out; Brees passes Elway", *ESPN.com*.
220. ↑ "NFL Career Pass Completion % Leaders". Pro Football Reference. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass\_cmp\_perc\_career.htm.
221. ↑ "New Orleans Saints at Pittsburgh Steelers – November 30th, 2014" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201411300pit.htm.
222. ↑ "2014 NFL Week 13 Leaders & Scores" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/week\_13.htm.
223. ↑ Terrell, Katherine (December 15, 2014). "Drew Brees extends records in near-perfect game vs. Chicago", *The Times-Picayune*.
224. ↑ Smith, Michael David (December 30, 2014). "Brees, Roethlisberger have NFL’s first tie for passing yardage lead" (in en). https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/12/30/brees-roethlisberger-have-nfls-first-tie-for-passing-yardage-lead/.
225. ↑ "2014 NFL Pro Bowlers" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/probowl.htm.
226. ↑ "'Top 100 Players of 2015': No. 30 Drew Brees" (in en). http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2015/0ap3000000498550/Top-100-Players-of-2015-No-30-Drew-Brees.
227. ↑ Giardina, A. J.. "Drew Brees and C.J. Spiller help Saints win a thriller in OT against Dallas" (in en-US). https://www.wlox.com/story/30184225/drew-brees-and-cj-spiller-help-saints-win-a-thriller-in-ot-against-dallas.
228. ↑ "Dallas Cowboys at New Orleans Saints – October 4th, 2015" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201510040nor.htm.
229. ↑ "2015 NFL Week 4 Leaders & Scores" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/week\_4.htm.
230. ↑ Erickson, Joel. "'This rarely happens': Saints quarterback Drew Brees joins elite 400 club in unforgettable fashion" (in en). https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article\_769cd00f-241f-53bb-9c8c-5612ac21afbe.html.
231. ↑ Woodbery, Evan (October 4, 2015). "Saints-Cowboys recap", *NOLA.com*.
232. ↑ Busbee, Jay. "Drew Brees wins game with 400th career touchdown". https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/drew-brees-throws-for-400th-touchdown--5-000th-career-completion-011955640.html.
233. ↑ Chase, Chris (October 4, 2015). "Saints set record with overtime win over Cowboys". ftw.usatoday.com. http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/10/new-orleans-saints-win-dallas-cowboys-drew-brees-cj-spiller-tony-romo-fastest-overtime-win-nfl-history.
234. ↑ Triplett, Mike (November 1, 2015). "Drew Brees ties NFL mark with 7 TDs; Eli Manning top 10 all-time in TDs", *ESPN*.
235. ↑ Dubin, Jared (November 1, 2015). "Drew Brees ties NFL record with seven TD passes against Giants". Archived from the original on November 2, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151102195147/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25360491/drew-brees-ties-nfl-record-with-7th-td-pass-of-the-game. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
236. ↑ "500-yard NFL passers in a game" (in en). https://www.newsday.com/sports/football/nfl-500-yard-passers-in-a-game-1.26542194.
237. ↑ "2015 NFL Week 8 Leaders & Scores" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/week\_8.htm.
238. ↑ "New Orleans Saints at Houston Texans – November 29th, 2015" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201511290htx.htm.
239. ↑ "Drew Brees passes Dan Marino for fourth all-time in TD passes" (in en). http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap3000000599785/Drew-Brees-passes-Dan-Marino-for-fourth-all-time-in-TD-passes.
240. ↑ Dabe, Christopher (December 22, 2015). "Drew Brees sets NFL record with 94th career 300-yard passing game.". http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2015/12/new\_orleans\_saints\_drew\_brees\_76.html.
241. ↑ "Brees sharp despite foot injury, Saints beat Jaguars 38–27". December 27, 2015. http://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400791528.
242. ↑ Dabe, Christopher. "Drew Brees ends season as NFL passing leader for a record sixth time" (in en). https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article\_8f7f8c30-58b3-5c4d-93a3-c358202b27a5.html.
243. ↑ "Saints await Payton's plans after second straight 7-9 record" (in en). https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2016/01/05/saints-await-paytons-plans-after-second-straight-7-9-record/78310834/.
244. ↑ "'Top 100 Players of 2016': No. 30 Drew Brees". http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2016/0ap3000000670938/Top-100-Players-of-2016-No-30-Drew-Brees.
245. ↑ 245.0 245.1 245.2 "Raiders withstand Drew Brees' monster game to win thriller". September 11, 2016. http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/raiders-withstand-drew-brees-monster-game-to-win-thriller-091116.
246. ↑ 246.0 246.1 Dabe, Christopher (October 16, 2016). "Drew Brees tops Peyton Manning for most 400-yard games, and other key numbers from Sunday". http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2016/10/saints\_panthers\_numbers\_2016.html.
247. ↑ Triplett, Mike (September 18, 2016). "Drew Brees moves to third in career passing yards in loss to Giants". http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/\_/id/17576827/drew-brees-new-orleans-saints-passes-dan-marino-career-yardage-list.
248. ↑ "Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints – October 16th, 2016" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201610160nor.htm.
249. ↑ "Drew Brees sets NFL record with 15th 400-yard passing game". October 16, 2016. http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/\_/id/17809654/drew-brees-new-orleans-saints-sets-nfl-mark-400-yard-games-win.
250. ↑ "Saints' Drew Brees Becomes First With 100 300-Yard Passing Games". http://www.todayspigskin.com/nfl-news/saints-drew-brees-becomes-first-with-100-300-yard-passing-games/.
251. ↑ "Drew Brees becomes first player with 100 games of 300 passing yards". https://www.neworleanssaints.com/video/drew-brees-becomes-first-player-with-100-games-of-300-pass-yards-17942062.
252. ↑ "Most seasons 35+ pass TD career". http://pfref.com/tiny/ww1Iz.
253. ↑ "NFL Single-Season Passing Touchdowns Leaders". https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass\_td\_single\_season.htm.
254. ↑ "Drew Brees Has More 5,000-Yard Seasons Than All Other QBs in History Combined". January 2, 2017. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2684786-drew-brees-has-more-5000-yard-seasons-than-all-other-qbs-in-history-combined.
255. ↑ "Game by Game: Getting Saints' Brees to NFL's career completion record" (in en). July 4, 2017. https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2017/07/04/new-orleans-saints-drew-brees-completion-record-brett-favre-peyton-manning-opponents-game-by-game/.
256. ↑ "2016 NFL Leaders". Sports Reference LLC. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2016/leaders.htm.
257. ↑ Triplett, Mike (January 1, 2017). "Saints stuck in 7-9 rut but have faith 2017 will be better" (in en). https://www.espn.com/blog/new-orleans-saints/post/\_/id/25130.
258. ↑ "2016 NFL Pro Bowlers" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2016/probowl.htm.
259. ↑ "'Top 100 Players of 2017': No. 16 Drew Brees" (in en). http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2017/0ap3000000816416/Top-100-Players-of-2017-No-16-Drew-Brees.
260. ↑ "Vikings offense erupts in 29-19 win over New Orleans" (in en-US). http://www.foxsports.com/north/story/minnesota-vikings-sam-bradford-stefon-diggs-adam-thielen-new-orleans-saints-drew-brees-091117.
261. ↑ "New England Patriots at New Orleans Saints – September 17th, 2017". https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709170nor.htm.
262. ↑ "New Orleans Saints at Buffalo Bills – November 12th, 2017" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201711120buf.htm.
263. ↑ Erickson, Joel (December 3, 2017). "Drew Brees passes Peyton Manning, moves into second place on career completions list" (in en). https://www.theadvocate.com/new\_orleans/sports/saints/article\_320c9c04-d896-11e7-9a59-7fa18b347aa5.html.
264. ↑ "NFL announces 2018 Pro Bowl rosters". December 19, 2017. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000895772/article/nfl-announces-2018-pro-bowl-rosters.
265. ↑ Brown, Nick (December 24, 2017). "Drew Brees Makes NFL History With Incredible Career Milestone" (in en). https://www.12up.com/posts/5928455-drew-brees-makes-nfl-history-with-incredible-career-milestone.
266. ↑ "Drew Brees reaches milestone of 70,000 passing yards". NFL. December 24, 2017. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000897268/article/drew-brees-becomes-fastest-qb-to-70000-yards.
267. ↑ Morale III, Amos (December 31, 2017). "Drew Brees posts highest completion percentage in NFL history". http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2017/12/drew\_brees\_posts\_highest\_compl.html.
268. ↑ 268.0 268.1 "Drew Brees Stats". https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00.htm. Retrieved September 27, 2013.
269. ↑ "2017 New Orleans Saints Statistics & Players" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2017.htm.
270. ↑ "Wild Card – Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints – January 7th, 2018" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801070nor.htm.
271. ↑ "Divisional Round – New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings – January 14th, 2018" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801140min.htm.
272. ↑ "Vikings beat Saints, Drew Brees on the most bonkers game-ending play" (in en). https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/purdue/2018/01/14/vikings-beat-saints-drew-brees-most-bonkers-game-ending-play/1033095001/.
273. ↑ "'Top 100 Players of 2018': New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees | No. 8" (in en). http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2018/0ap3000000938437/Top-100-Players-of-2018-Drew-Brees-No-8.
274. ↑ Sessler, Marc (March 13, 2018). "Drew Brees, Saints agree on two-year, $50 million deal". http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000920839/article/drew-brees-saints-agree-to-twoyear-50-million-deal.
275. ↑ Duncan, Jeff (September 9, 2018). "Nobody saw this coming: Saints dealt worst opening loss of Payton-Brees era", *NOLA.com*.
276. ↑ "Brees Breaks Favre's Record for Completions". September 23, 2018. https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/09/23/sports/football/23reuters-football-nfl-no-brees-record.html.
277. ↑ Bergman, Jeremy (September 26, 2018). "Big Ben, Drew Brees among NFL Players of the Week. On October 8th, Bree's broke the record for most passing yards in NFL history.". http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000966754/article/big-ben-drew-brees-among-nfl-players-of-the-week.
278. ↑ Davis, Nate. "Drew Brees overtakes Peyton Manning to become NFL's career passing leader as Saints crush Redskins" (in en). https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/saints/2018/10/08/saints-drew-brees-overtakes-peyton-manning-all-time-passing-yards/1559346002/.
279. ↑ Maya, Adam (October 10, 2018). "Drew Brees, Isaiah Crowell among Players of the Week". http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000972353/article/drew-brees-isaiah-crowell-among-players-of-the-week.
280. ↑ Hendrix, John (October 21, 2019). "Drew Brees becomes 3rd quarterback to beat all 32 NFL teams", *Canal Street Chronicles*.
281. ↑ Bell, Jarrett (October 21, 2018). "Saints QB Drew Brees throws 500th career TD pass". https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/saints/2018/10/21/drew-brees-new-orleans-saints-500-touchdown-passes/1723248002/.
282. ↑ "New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings – October 28th, 2018" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201810280min.htm.
283. ↑ Martel, Brett (November 4, 2018). "Drew Brees, Saints hand Rams first loss of the season". https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2018/11/04/drew-brees-saints-hand-rams-first-loss-season/J0Vbf2DWnSfAVze9Dh02EM/story.html.
284. ↑ Kay, Joe (November 12, 2018). "Brees passes Favre with 3 TDs, Saints crush Bengals 51–14". https://apnews.com/8f12634a1cd34af89fe15f4a6a0972f8.
285. ↑ "Drew Brees named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for November" (in en-US). November 29, 2018. https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/drew-brees-named-nfc-offensive-player-of-the-month-for-november?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook.
286. ↑ "Saints QB Brees: I'm still green" (in en). https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2019/07/27/saints-qb-brees-im-still-green/39815189/.
287. ↑ Jones, Mike. "Saints clinch top seed in NFC, dent Steelers' playoff odds" (in en). https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/saints/2018/12/23/new-orleans-saints-clinch-top-seed-dent-steelers-playoff-hopes/2404312002/.
288. ↑ "Drew Brees breaks own completion percentage record", *New Orleans Saints* (December 30, 2018).
289. ↑ Partsch, Raymond (December 30, 2018). "Saints choose rest over records", *iberianet.com*, The Daily Iberian.
290. ↑ "2018 NFL Passing" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2018/passing.htm.
291. ↑ Zucker, Joseph. "Drew Brees Lifts Saints to NFC Championship with Win vs. Nick Foles, Eagles" (in en). https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2815486-drew-brees-lifts-saints-to-nfc-championship-with-win-vs-nick-foles-eagles.
292. ↑ "Eagles vs. Saints – Game Recap – January 13, 2019 – ESPN" (in en). http://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401038958.
293. ↑ Silverman, Steve (January 22, 2019). "Rams, Patriots Overtime Victories Make Championship Sunday One For The Ages" (in en). https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevesilverman/2019/01/22/rams-patriots-overtime-victories-make-championship-sunday-one-for-the-ages/.
294. ↑ Kirshner, Alex (January 20, 2019). "Missed pass interference on Rams probably cost Saints a Super Bowl spot". https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2019/1/20/18190891/pass-interference-rams-saints-nickell-robey-coleman.
295. ↑ "Drew Brees throws TD to 15th different receiver this season" (in en). https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/01/20/drew-brees-new-orleans-saints-touchdown-passes-receivers-list.
296. ↑ Kasabian, Paul (February 2, 2019). "NFL MVP 2018-19: Award Winner, Voting Results and Twitter Reaction" (in en). https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2818883-nfl-mvp-2018-19-award-winner-voting-results-and-twitter-reaction.
297. ↑ "'Top 100 Players of 2019': New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees" (in en). http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top100-2019/0ap3000001038324/Top-100-Players-of-2019-Drew-Brees-No-2.
298. ↑ "Lutz's 58-yard field goal lifts Saints over Texans, 30-28". September 9, 2019. https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128021.
299. ↑ Patra, Kevin (September 16, 2019). "Drew Brees to have surgery on torn right thumb" (in en). http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001055668/article/drew-brees-to-have-surgery-on-torn-right-thumb.
300. ↑ Gordon, Grant (October 26, 2019). "Drew Brees (thumb) set to start against Cardinals". http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001069503/article/drew-brees-thumb-set-to-start-against-cardinals.
301. ↑ "Brees throws for 3 TDs in return as Saints roll" (in en). October 27, 2019. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/\_/id/27943069/drew-brees-throws-3-tds-return-saints-rout-cardinals.
302. ↑ "Brees throws for 228 yards, 3 TDs as Saints beat Bucs 34-17". November 17, 2019. https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128084.
303. ↑ "Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints - November 24th, 2019" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201911240nor.htm.
304. ↑ "Garoppolo's 4 TD passes help 49ers top Saints, 48-46". December 8, 2019. https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127964.
305. ↑ DeArdo, Bryan (December 16, 2019). "Saints' Drew Brees sets two NFL records in blowout win on 'Monday Night Football'", *CBS Sports*.
306. ↑ "Brees sets NFL all-time TD mark as Saints crush Colts 34-7". December 16, 2019. https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128117.
307. ↑ Heifetz, Danny (December 17, 2019). "Drew Brees Is Your New Touchdown King, and the Saints Look Scary As Hell" (in en). https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2019/12/17/21025732/saints-colts-brees-all-time-touchdown-record-completion-percentage.
308. ↑ "Saints chasing NFC's top seed rally to beat Titans 38-28". December 22, 2019. https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127935.
309. ↑ "Saints take care of Panthers, still hope for playoff bye". December 29, 2019. https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127975.
310. ↑ "Drew Brees 2019 Game Log" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2019/.
311. ↑ "NFL Pass Completion % Single-Season Leaders" (in en). https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass\_cmp\_perc\_single\_season.htm.
312. ↑ "Cook, Vikings upend Saints 26-20 in OT in NFC playoffs". January 5, 2020. https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401131038.
313. ↑ Patra, Kevin (March 17, 2020). "Drew Brees agrees to 2-year, $50M deal with Saints". http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001106597/article/drew-brees-agrees-to-2year-50m-deal-with-saints.
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316. ↑ "Drew Brees Welcomes Son Bowen Christopher". October 20, 2010. https://people.com/parents/drew-brees-welcomes-son-bowen-christopher/.
317. ↑ Tatum, Doug (August 16, 2012). "Drew, Brittany Brees announce birth of their third son, Callen Christian Brees". https://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2012/08/drew\_brittany\_brees\_announce\_b.html.
318. ↑ Rousseau, Randi (August 26, 2014). "Drew Brees welcomes baby girl, posts photo of daughter to social media", WDSU.
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321. ↑ 321.0 321.1 Holder, Larry (August 26, 2014). "New Orleans Saints' Drew Brees Announces Birth of fourth child, the family's first girl". The Times Picayune. https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article\_34988d66-5a91-590a-9891-02dd6729dfc4.html.
322. ↑ Lynch, Kevin (January 11, 2012). "49ers connection to Brees and Darren Sproles", *blog.sfgate.com*.
323. ↑ "Drew Brees: The Saint of New Orleans" (in en). April 24, 2012. https://www1.cbn.com/700club/drew-brees-saint-new-orleans.
324. ↑ Faragalli Younghans, Samantha (2019). "What Happened to Drew Brees' Face? Here's Why the Saints Quarterback Has a Scar". https://www.distractify.com/p/what-happened-to-drew-brees-face. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
325. ↑ Drew Brees with Chris Fabry, *Coming Back Stronger: Unleashing the Hidden Power of Adversity* (Tyndale House Publishers, 2010), Template:ISBN. Excerpts available at Google Books.
326. ↑ "Hardcover Nonfiction Books - Best Sellers - July 25, 2010". July 16, 2010. https://www.nytimes.com/books/best-sellers/2010/07/25/hardcover-nonfiction/. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
327. ↑ "Drew Brees' book will debut at No. 3 on the New York Times best sellers list" (in en). https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article\_abf808f0-8009-5642-927f-949a8a02af30.html.
328. ↑ "Mina Brees’ death ruled suicide". Statesman.com. November 16, 2009. http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/blotter/entries/2009/11/16/mina\_brees\_death\_ruled\_suicide.html.
329. ↑ Herrera, Tom (August 9, 2009). "Drew Brees' Mother Dies, Saints QB Excused From Training Camp". http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/08/09/drew-brees-mother-dies-saints-qb-excused-from-training-camp?.
330. ↑ "Brees wants no part of mom's campaign in Texas" (in en). October 31, 2006. https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2644387.
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335. ↑ Mallozzi, Vincent M. (January 29, 2011). "30 Seconds with Saints Quarterback Drew Brees", *New York Times*.
336. ↑ Leonard, Tod (November 30, 2009). "Brees a godsend for Saints", *San Diego Union-Tribune*.
337. ↑ Langenhennig, Susan (November 30, 2009). "New Orleans Saints fans get creative: What Who Dats are wearing", *Times-Picayune*.
338. ↑ Duncan, Jeff (November 2, 2009). "Breesus' is the reason for potentially perfect season", *Times-Picayune*.
339. ↑ Broder, John (July 10, 2012). "'COOL BREES' IGNITED PURDUE, BUT CAN HE GENERATE ENOUGH HEAT TO BURN UP THE NFL?", ESPN.
340. ↑ "AdvoCare and NFL World Champion Drew Brees Take Relationship to the Next Level", Advocare Press Release (March 30, 2010).
341. ↑ "AdvoCare Policies, Procedures, and the Compensation Plan". Archived from the original on October 9, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20111009052537/https://www.advocare.com/0908345/Pdf/policy.pdf. Retrieved May 11, 2014.
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344. ↑ "Jimmy John's and superfan-turned-franchisee Drew Brees want to buy you a house – seriously" (in en). https://www.aol.com/article/finance/2019/08/20/jimmy-johns-and-superfan-turned-franchisee-drew-brees-want-to-buy-you-a-house-seriously/23797781/.
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346. ↑ Schwartz, Nick. "Drew Brees sends classy gift to teammates who helped him break NFL record" (in en). https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ftw/2018/12/14/drew-brees-classy-gift-teammates-coaches-helped-set-passing-record/38739623/.
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348. ↑ McKenna, Henry (August 22, 2019). "Don't call them gurus: How private QB coaches are changing football" (in en). https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/08/quarterback-gurus-job-title-is-stupid.
349. ↑ "San Diego Surf Sports partnership with NFL star Drew Brees portends expansive role for storied soccer club" (in en-US). August 2, 2019. https://www.ranchosantafereview.com/sports/story/2019-08-02/san-diego-surf-sports-partnership-with-nfl-star-drew-brees-portends-expansive-role-for-storied-soccer-club.
350. ↑ "Drew Christopher Brees from New Orleans, Louisiana". https://voterrecords.com/voter/84106902/drew-brees.
351. ↑ King, Peter (January 18, 2010). "The Heart Of New Orleans: He's been the NFL's most prolific quarterback over the past four years, but to the city that has adopted him, Drew Brees is much more – a driving force in the ongoing effort to rebuild and renew", *Sports Illustrated*.
352. ↑ Schmidt, Jake (June 28, 2013). "Drew Brees' foundation makes donation to Purdue organization", Purdue Exponent.
353. ↑ "Brees has New Orleans howling", Associated Press, *ESPN.com* (January 14, 2007).
354. ↑ "A Saint in the City: No Off-Season as Brees Helps New Orleans Rebuild", Associated Press, *The New York Times* (May 13, 2007).
355. ↑ Corbett, Jim (July 6, 2007). "Brees Becomes Patron Saint of New Orleans", *USA Today*.
356. ↑ "Rebuilding Through Brotherhood" (in en-US). http://www.drewbrees.com/foundation\_programs/rebuilding-through-brotherhood/.
357. ↑ "Transcript of Drew Brees Interview: Scott and BR Interview with Drew Brees On Guantanamo Bay", Sports Radio (July 9, 2009).
358. ↑ Duncan, Jeff (July 30, 2009). "Drew Brees raises eyebrows with comments about Guantanamo Bay", NOLA.
359. ↑ Weir, Tom (July 10, 2009). "Drew Brees weighs in on his trip to Gitmo", *USA Today*.
360. ↑ "Guantanamo Bay inmates are having a grand time, says Drew Brees", Yahoo News/Yahoo Sports (July 30, 2009).
361. ↑ Kirschenbaum, Jill (January 31, 2008). "Great Moments in Marketing: Drew Brees" (in en-US). https://blogs.wsj.com/superbowl/2008/01/31/soundbites-drew-brees/.
362. ↑ "Operation Kids: Until Every Child Is OK". http://www.operationkids.com.
363. ↑ Krupa, Michelle (December 12, 2009). "New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees to reign as Bacchus during 2009 Carnival", *NOLA.com*, Times-Picayune.
364. ↑ Lapointe, Joe (January 23, 2010). "Thriving Saints Helped New Orleans Revive After Hurricane Katrina" (in en-US). https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/24/sports/football/24saints.html.
365. ↑ Oldenburg, Ann (June 24, 2010). "Michelle Obama jumps rope, emphasizes nutrition". http://content.usatoday.com/communities/entertainment/post/2010/06/michelle-obama-jumps-rope-emphasizes-nutrition-/1.
366. ↑ "First Lady Launches President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition". June 23, 2010. Archived from the original on February 16, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170216153520/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/first-lady-launches-president-s-council-fitness-sports-and-nutrition. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
367. ↑ Florio, Mike (October 16, 2010). "Drew Brees stands up to bullies". Profootballtalk.nbcsports.com. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/10/16/drew-brees-stands-up-to-bullies.
368. ↑ "Saints QB Drew Brees sues over millions spent at San Diego jewelry store" (in en). April 3, 2018. http://www.cbs8.com/clip/14246877/saints-qb-drew-brees-sues-over-millions-spent-at-san-diego-jewelry-store.
369. ↑ Hoffower, Hillary (June 29, 2018). "Drew Brees is suing a jeweler for $9 million, saying he was overcharged by millions for diamonds". https://www.businessinsider.com/drew-brees-lawsuit-jeweler-alleged-diamond-fraud-2018-6.
370. ↑ Stimson, Brie (June 22, 2019). "NFL QB Drew Brees awarded $6M in diamond fraud lawsuit" (in en-US). https://www.foxnews.com/sports/drew-brees-awarded-6-million-in-diamond-fraud-lawsuit.
371. ↑ Duchman, Holly (March 13, 2019). "Walk-On's founder Brandon Landry, Drew Brees to launch new restaurant brand". https://www.businessreport.com/business/walk-ons-founder-brandon-landry-drew-brees-to-launch-new-restaurant-brand.

## External links

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* The Brees Dream Foundation website
* Drew Brees on Twitter**Lua error in Module:EditAtWikidata at line 36: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).**Template:WikidataCheck
* Purdue Boilermakers profile
* New Orleans Saints profile

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