![]() ![]() The next offseason, after the selection of North Carolina State quarterback Phillip Rivers in the NFL draft, Brees tearfully and prayerfully asked God for strength, Mitchell said, during training camp. Players were split on Brees and veteran Doug Flutie during the 2003 season, when the quarterbacks each led the team to a measly two victories apiece. “He was always in the front row of our team meetings, and he was also in the middle of our chapel services.”īrees endeared himself to his teammates, Mitchell says, with his perseverance. “Drew was a real catalyst to the spiritual dynamic on the team,” Mitchell said. I’ve married and buried athletes.”īut Mitchell describes Drew as a “standout” and the “real deal,” citing his humbleness, his leadership, his compassion and his spiritual maturity in the face of adversity. I’ve seen hundreds of players grow in their faith. “I was with the team when we were 1-15 (2000), and also to the Super Bowl (1994). “The Lord has been very good to us,” Mitchell said. Now entering his 27th season as the team’s chaplain, Mitchell says he has been blessed to work with many good men associated with the Chargers. But you go through that lapse,” he said.īut after the Chargers drafted him in 2001, Drew joined the team’s Bible study, which was led by Pastor Shawn Mitchell. Sometimes, he slept in Sunday morning after a late night with friends. While at Purdue, though, Drew acknowledged that he was “more out of touch” than he wanted to be. ‘You know what? I want to be one of those, ‘few good men.’ I really accepted Jesus Christ into my heart.” He even referenced the popular 1992 movie, A Few Good Men, which was one of Drew’s favorite movies. The pastor’s message: the Lord was looking for a few good men. “Normally, me and my brother would be elbowing each other during the service,” Drew said, “but that day was different.” He was at his home church, The First Baptist Church in Austin, Texas, and his pastor had a message that registered in his mind. ![]() But the real draw was their countless friends in Sunday school.Įverything didn’t click for Drew, though, until his 17th birthday. He earned Super Bowl MVP and led the Saints to a 31-17 victory against the Indianapolis Colts in the game.ĭrew and his younger brother Reid grew up in church, learning the songs and stories of the Bible. Though he followed that season with a few less yards, he gladly traded it for a Super Bowl ring and gave the city of New Orleans its first title in any of the major sports. Unfortunately, that didn’t turn into as many wins as we wanted.” “A lot of things have to happen for you to throw for 5,000 yards. “They were keeping up with the record more than me,” Brees said. But his teammates, particularly his offensive linemen, wanted him to break the mark. He says he wasn’t aware of how close he was to Marino’s record or even 5,000 yards. Remarkably, Brees threw for more than 300 passing yards 10 times last season, earning Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year and being named to his third Pro Bowl after also being named in 20. He passed for 34 touchdowns and 5,069 yards, the second-most yards in NFL history and only 15 yards short of Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino’s NFL record for a single season. In 2008, Brees raised that bar and established himself as one of the league’s top quarterbacks. “He holds himself accountable to be prepared, both physically and mentally, and he sets the bar high for his teammates, and that is crucial to that position.” “Drew is so committed as a player, that I think everyone in the building respects his work ethic and his commitment to our franchise,” Payton said. But Payton says he has the prototypical leadership qualities, preparation and intangibles that demand respect. Saints coach Sean Payton also notes that Drew isn’t the prototype quarterback, in terms of size. “Even if he weren’t in the NFL, he would still be a successful person.” ![]() “His work ethic is unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” Reid said. 4 Kansas State in the 1998 Alamo Bowl with a brilliant 80-yard scoring drive with 1 minute, 25 seconds left in the game. He also led Purdue to the 2001 Rose Bowl, the school’s first appearance in the prestigious bowl since 1967, and a surprising upset of then No. He led Westlake High School (Austin, Texas) to its only undefeated season (16-0) and a state title in 1996, when his team won the 5A Division II championship with a 55-15 victory against Abilene Cooper. He doesn’t have the ideal size (6 foot), arm strength or pedigree (second-round pick out of Purdue). “But he’ll still find a way to beat you.” He’s not the strongest, or the fastest,” said brother Reid Brees, who is two years younger than Drew. New Orleans Saints Super Bowl MVP quarterback Drew Brees doesn’t possess the speed of a Michael Vick, the prototype frame of a Peyton Manning, or the arm strength of a Jay Cutler. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |