30 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About The Famous Quarterback Drew Brees

Drew Christopher Brees, or simply the “Cool Brees,” remains the Big Ten record-holder, till date, in virtually every passing category, including completions (1,026), yards (11,792), and touchdowns (90). Here are some facts about American football quarterback:

1. Brees was born on January 15, 1979, in Texas, Austin, to Eugene Wilson Brees II, a prominent lawyer and Mina Ruth, an attorney.
2. He had troubled childhood after his parents divorced when he was seven years old. He along with his brother Reid split their time between their parents’ home.
3. Brees success in football can be traced to his family’s athletic background. His maternal uncle Marty Akins was a quarterback with Texas Longhorns and his maternal grandfather Ray Akins, was Texas High School football coach. His father and mother were also sportsman of some caliber.
4. As a kid he was teased because of birthmark on his right cheek. He had the option of removing it but decided to keep it. It made him feel unique and special and now it is his trademark.
5. He attended St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, where he showed interest in Flag Football. He later moved to Westlake High School and was varsity letterman in basketball, football and baseball.
6. As a quarterback during his sophomore year at Westlake School, Brees almost quit football doubting his ability. He loved baseball and wanted to get a scholarship.
7. In 1996, he led his Westlake High School to state championship with record 16-0 victory. He was named ‘Texas High School 5A Most Valuable Offensive Player.’
8. In his senior year at Westlake High School, he had pass percentage of 63.4 % for 3528 yards and 31 touchdowns. He was named in the USA Today All-USA high football team on September 01, 1997.
9. He completed graduation in industrial management from Krannert School of Management at Purdue University in 2001.
10. He led his university to 2000 ‘Big Ten Championship,’ first time in three decades, with upset win over Ohio State and Michigan.
11. His all-round game in 2000 won him the ‘Maxwell Award,’ as the nation’s outstanding player.
12. Brees intelligence both on and off the field earned him first team ‘Academic All-America honors at Purdue, the first Boilermaker since 1989.
13. As the Big Ten’s best quarterback of the 1990s, Brees was inducted into ‘Purdue’s Intercollegiate Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009.’
14. In 2011, the Big Ten Conference initiated an award ‘Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year,’ honoring Brees and Bob Griese.
15. He was drafted in by San Diego Chargers as first pick in second round and 32nd overall at 2001 NFL Draft. He played his first professional game on November 04, 2001 against Kansas City Chiefs.
16. After a lackluster 2003 season, Brees was named ‘2004 NFL Comeback Player of the Year.’ He led the Chargers to AFC West Championship for the first time in 10 seasons.
17. At the start of 2005 season he was given one year contract extension as Franchise Player for $ 8 million.
18. On December 31, 2005, Brees was injured in a match against Denver Broncos. He tore his labrum and damaged his rotator cuff.
19. On March 14, 2006, Brees signed a six years contract with New Orleans Saints for $ 60 million after rejecting Chargers offer of $ 50 million.
20. Brees had fruitful first season with Saints with 96.2 passer rating. He was named ‘Walter Payton Man of the Year Award’ for 2006 along with LaDainian Tomlinson.
21. In 2008, he was 15 yards within reach of NFL record for passing in a season with 5069 yards and tied the record for 300 plus ten times in the season. He was named the ‘Associated Press 2008 Offensive Player of the Year.’
22. On February 07, 2010, Brees led the Saints to 2009 ‘Super Bowl XLIV’ championship defeating Indianapolis Colts 31-17. He threw for 288 yards with 32 pass completion and 2 touchdowns to be named ‘Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award.’
23. The ‘Sports Illustrated’ magazine named him ‘2010 Sportsman of the Year,’ for his performance at Super Bowl and for his contribution towards reconstruction of New Orleans in the wake of Katrina.
24. In 2011 season Brees led the NFL in completion percentage of 71.2 with 5,476 passing yard and 46 touchdowns, collectively called the ‘Triple Crown.’
25. On July 13, 2012, he renewed his contract with Saints worth $ 100 million for five years. The contract includes $ 60 million as guarantee money, which was a record amount in NFL history then.
26. In February 2003, he married his longtime girlfriend Brittany Dudchenko and the couples have three sons, Baylen, Bowen and Callen apart from a daughter Rylen.
27. On July 06, 2010, he released a book titled ‘Coming Back Stronger’ co-authored with Chris Fabry.
28. Apart from owning eight ‘Jimmy John’s Franchise restaurant, in March 2015, he purchased 25% stake in ‘Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar.
29. In 2003, he and his wife, Brittany founded ‘Brees Dream Foundation’ to support cancer patients and in 2007, they have entered into partnership with children’s charity ‘Operation Kids.’
30. In June 2010, he was appointed by President Obama, to be co-chair of the newly named President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.
31. Drew Brees Net Worth: $80 Million