Drew Brees: A Look at His NFL Career
Drew Brees is widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks of all time, having played for nearly two decades in the National Football League (NFL). He began his career in 2001 with the San Diego Chargers and spent five seasons with the team before joining the New Orleans Saints in 2006. Through the course of his career, Brees has won a Super Bowl, been selected to the Pro Bowl 13 times and won the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award in 2004. He has also been named the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year twice and has been a two-time MVP.
Teams Drew Brees Has Played For
Drew Brees has had a long and successful career in the NFL, playing for three teams over the course of his career. Here is a look at the teams he has played for:
San Diego Chargers (2001-2005)
Brees began his NFL career with the San Diego Chargers in 2001. He was selected in the second round of the NFL draft and went on to become the Chargers’ starting quarterback. During his five seasons with the team, he completed 1,346 of 2,212 passes for 17,460 yards, 104 touchdowns and 80 interceptions. He also led the Chargers to a 12-4 record and an AFC West division title in 2004.
New Orleans Saints (2006-present)
In 2006, Brees signed a six-year contract with the New Orleans Saints and immediately transformed the team. He led the Saints to their first winning season since 2000 and was named the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year. In 2009, he led the Saints to their first Super Bowl win in franchise history and was named the Super Bowl MVP. He has since led the Saints to six playoff appearances and been selected to the Pro Bowl 11 times.
Indianapolis Colts (2001)
Before signing with the Saints, Brees was briefly a member of the Indianapolis Colts. He was selected in the second round of the 2001 NFL draft by the Colts, but was released after suffering a shoulder injury in the preseason. He then went on to sign with the Chargers.
Accomplishments
Drew Brees has enjoyed a successful and decorated career in the NFL. Here is a look at some of his accomplishments:
- Super Bowl XLIV Champion and MVP
- NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2008 and 2011)
- NFL MVP (2008 and 2011)
- 13-time Pro Bowler
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2004)
- NFL Passer Rating Leader (2008 and 2011)
- NFL Yards Per Attempt Leader (2008)
- NFL Completion Percentage Leader (2009 and 2018)
- NFL Touchdown Passes Leader (2008 and 2011)
- NFL Passing Yards Leader (2008, 2011, 2016 and 2018)
Records
Drew Brees holds a number of NFL records and is the all-time leader in passing yards and completions. Here is a look at some of his records:
- Most career passing yards (77,416)
- Most career completions (6,586)
- Most career passing touchdowns (547)
- Most career 300-yard passing games (96)
- Most single-season passing yards (5,476)
- Most single-season completions (471)
- Most single-season passing touchdowns (46)
- Most seasons with 4,500+ passing yards (7)
- Most consecutive games with a touchdown pass (54)
- Most career game-winning drives (54)
Awards
Drew Brees has won numerous awards throughout his career, including:
- Super Bowl MVP (2009)
- NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2008 and 2011)
- NFL MVP (2008 and 2011)
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2004)
- Walter Payton Man of the Year Award (2006)
- NFL Alumni Quarterback of the Year (2008, 2009 and 2010)
- NFL Alumni Player of the Year (2008)
- NFL Alumni Offensive Player of the Year (2010)
- Ed Block Courage Award (2012)
- Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year (2010)
Legacy
Drew Brees is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. He is the all-time leader in passing yards and completions, and holds numerous other NFL records. He has also been selected to 13 Pro Bowls and won a Super Bowl and two MVP awards.
Brees is also well known for his charitable work, having founded the Brees Dream Foundation in 2003 to help improve the lives of cancer patients and their families. He has also been active in disaster relief efforts and is a strong advocate for education and the sciences.
Retirement
Brees announced his retirement from the NFL on March 14, 2021. He finished his career as the all-time leader in passing yards (77,416) and completions (6,586), and is second all-time in touchdown passes (547). He also holds numerous other NFL records, including most 300-yard passing games (96) and consecutive games with a touchdown pass (54).
Legacy in New Orleans
Brees is a beloved figure in New Orleans, having helped turn the Saints from a perennial loser into one of the most successful teams in the NFL. He led the Saints to their first winning season since 2000 and their first Super Bowl win in franchise history. He was also a key figure in the city’s recovery after Hurricane Katrina, helping to raise millions of dollars for relief efforts.
Conclusion
Drew Brees is one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time and has had a long and successful career in the NFL. He began his career with the San Diego Chargers in 2001 and went on to play for the New Orleans Saints for 15 seasons. He has been selected to 13 Pro Bowls and won a Super Bowl and two MVP awards. He is also the all-time leader in passing yards and completions and holds numerous other NFL records. Brees is also well known for his charitable work and is a beloved figure in New Orleans. He announced his retirement from the NFL on March 14, 2021.