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FRI.| 4-12-24 | ENTERTAINMENT
Drew Brees leaves irreplaceable mark on NFL
SUN. | 04-04-21 | SPORTS
Drew Brees is officially retired. On Sunday, Mar. 14th, after 20 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), the well-known New Orleans Saints quarterback announced his retirement on social media with his family.
Brees was selected as the first pick in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers. He was coming from a record season out of the University of Purdue, but because of his height (6’0ft), he was overlooked though the first round. Brees was named starting quarterback after his second season with the Chargers over concussed quarterback Doug Flutie. In 2005, Brees was really starting to make a name for himself with throwing over 3,500 yards and 24 touchdowns that season. However, on Dec. 31st, Brees was hit hard by a Broncos player and he tore his labrum in his throwing arm. This could have very well been the end of his career, but his doctor preformed a very successful surgery and he was out and playing again in no time. With his coaches
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on the fence about his ability to throw, the Charges decided to start their 2004 first round pick Philip Rivers and put the franchise tag on Brees in 2005.
Brees became a New Orleans Saint in 2006. Signing a six year and $60 million deal, Brees was Immediately locked in. In just his first two years with the Saints, Brees led them to and helped them win Super Bowl XLIV. Brees brought home the MVP of the game. However, this was just the start to his record breaking career.
"Throughout his career, his consistency and dedication to excellence were unparalleled,” Said Peyton. He was a magnificent leader both on and off the field,” Saints head coach Sean Peyton said.
Brees went on to break some of the biggest records in NFL history. On Oct. 8, 2018, Brees made history with a 62 yard passing touchdown to Tre-quan Smith to break Peyton Manning's record of 71,940 passing yards in a career. Brees now holds that record at 80,358 yards. This was just one of Brees’s many accomplishments. He also broke and still holds the record for most passes completed which is 7,142. As well as the most passes completed in one game which is 24.9. Also, the most total offensive yards of all time 78,119; And the most seasons with 5,000+ passing yards which is 5.
“His attention to detail and competitive spirit were infectious. For all of us that have had the chance to coach him, it has been our privilege, we are better for it," Peyton said.
Brees spent his whole career in the shadow of a man named Tom Brady for a long time. Even though Brady's Super Bowl rings are hard to fight against, Brees still made a name for himself with his impressive numbers and high IQ on the field. His last game was a loss in the playoffs on Sunday, Jan. 18th 2021. Brees is one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Every year, his abilities alone made his team better in every aspect. He was a leader, a captain and a Saint.
