The gift that keeps on giving is formerly known as the gift of life. If an individual is fortunate enough to receive the blessing of an extended stay on this earth, the life experience will materialize into multiple phases. The majority of elite athletes began to perfect their craft at an early age. As they go through the different periods of life, the sport he or she participates in remains a constant. For example, a young football player will play football during his childhood, adolescent years, high school years, college, and the professional level. Throughout their life journey, people, places, and situations change, but the concept of playing football is a stable part of that athlete’s existence. When father time comes knocking at the door, it’s very difficult for an athlete to give up the sport that has been with the athlete throughout his life journey. It is one of the hardest things to do.               Â
After a stellar collegiate career as the signal-caller for Purdue University, Drew Brees was selected by the San Diego Chargers with the first pick in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. Brees became the starting quarterback a year later in 2002. His best season with the Chargers came in 2004 when he passed for over 3,500 yards and helped San Diego win the AFC West for the first time in 10 seasons. A year later, Brees suffered a career threatening injury when he tore his labrum while trying to recover his own fumble. He underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair the torn labrum in his right shoulder.
Since joining the league in 1967, the New Orleans Saints initially developed a losing tradition. In the late 80’s they finally built a team that was able to make it to the playoffs but failed to produce a playoff win. Three playoff appearances in the 90’s equated to three first-round losses. The organization wouldn’t win a playoff game until December 30, 2000. After earning their first playoff win, the Saints would miss making the playoffs the next five seasons.
Drew Brees and coach Sean Payton arrived in New Orleans for the 2006 season. The impact was immediate as the Saints won their first division title. They would go on to collect a playoff win against the Eagles and advance to their first NFC Championship game in franchise history. Unfortunately, Brees and the Saints fell short of advancing to the Super Bowl as they tasted defeat at the Chicago Bears’ hands.
Three years later, Brees and the Saints were hitting on all cylinders as they jumped out to a 13-0 regular-season start. Brees led his team to a dominant playoff win versus Arizona and a thrilling victory against Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings. The victory earned them a slot in Super Bowl XLIV versus Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. Brees used pinpoint accuracy to lead the Saints to a 31-17 victory and their first Lombardi trophy.
After winning the championship, Drew Brees would continue to perform brilliantly at the quarterback position. He threw for over 5,000 yards for three straight seasons, passed for hundreds of touchdowns, and consistently posted a high pass completion percentage. Despite all of the hall of fame numbers, Brees and his Saints have been unable to make a return trip to the big game. The Saints organization has suffered some of the most heartbreaking losses in playoff history. As the then-defending Super Bowl Champions during the 2010 playoffs, Brees and the Saints faced the Seattle Seahawks. Trailing and needing a defensive stop, the Saints fell victim to a play that’s been dubbed as ‘Beast Quake.’ Seattle’s running back Marshawn Lynch would take a handoff and break seven tackles to score a touchdown and secure a Seattle victory. Seven years later, the Saints gave up another iconic play known as ‘The Minneapolis Miracle.’ With 10 seconds left and leading by one point, the Saints defense gave up a 61-yard touchdown pass. A year later, versus the Rams, the Saints fell victim to the infamous ‘No Call.’ With 1:47 remaining in the NFC Championship game, Drew Brees threw a pass to his receiver in which the defender committed an obvious pass interference. The referees failed to make the call, and the Saints ended up losing the game.
For the past few seasons, retirement whispers were circulating due to the fact that Drew Brees has shown a lack of arm strength in reference to him being able to drive the ball down the field. Brees ignored the whispers as he continued to come back. He stayed focused on winning a second championship. After being ousted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2020 playoffs, Brees may have a change of heart this time around.
In November, Brees endured an alarming injury. He suffered 11 broken ribs and a collapsed lung. His age (42), the previous injury, and Bree’s actions all point to retirement. During the Tampa Bay loss, as the clock was winding down, you can see Drew Brees turn to back-up quarterback Jameis Winston and say, “This is your team now.” Drew Brees is a legend and a future Hall of Famer. Now he’s faced with the ultimate decision of letting go of the one thing that’s been a constant since his childhood. Brees hasn’t made a formal statement as of yet, but it feels like this may be the end of the road.
