Drew Brees

January 15, 2026

Want to sponsor Drew Brees’s birthday? Learn more

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Drew Brees — a second-generation athlete — was born on January 15, 1979, and was eventually drafted in 2001. Brees, who commenced his career in football during high school, has become one of America’s most celebrated quarterbacks. Known for his record-breaking prolific passes and success in the National Football League, Brees has an envious career and an alluring personality. So, join us in celebrating his birthday right here!

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Drew Christopher Brees

Nickname:

Breesus, Cool Brees

Birth date:

January 15, 1979

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Capricorn

Height:

6' 0"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$160 million

Background

Drew Brees is a recognized legend within the N.F.L. His skills, unrelenting spirit, achievements, playful personality, and charitable spirit have endeared him to many football fans worldwide. Although not starting as glamorous as it is now, Brees has kept his head in the game throughout his career and emerged victorious every time. Born January 15, 1979, in Dallas, Texas, to parents Eugene Wilson and Mina Ruth, Brees has mixed ethnicities of Irish, Scottish, German, and Swiss roots.

Like most N.F.L. players, Brees started his athletic journey in high school. This Capricorn played for Westlake High School, but he considered playing college baseball instead. However, after an ACL tear in the 11th grade, college recruiters weren’t interested in Brees. Regardless, once his injury healed, Brees was selected as a high-value high school player in Texas in ‘96, and this is where it all began.

With all his high school accolades, Brees received two college offers, and eventually chose Purdue University in Indiana. It wasn’t until his sophomore year that he was given a chance to start at games. Brees was soon recognized as an adept player, especially after leading the Boilermakers against Ohio State and Michigan in 2000. As an exemplary athlete, Brees set two N.C.A.A. records in his college career, 19 Purdue University records, and 13 Big Ten Conference records. Brees even led the Purdue Boilermakers to their first Rose Bowl in 34 years. Hence, it is no surprise that he was drafted by the San Diego Chargers immediately after gaining his Industrial Management degree in 2001. From then on, Brees worked relentlessly until he became the star quarterback he is today.

Brees was with the Chargers until 2005, before joining the New Orleans Saints in 2006, and this is where he began to surpass himself. In the 20 seasons that he’s played for the N.F.L., Brees has achieved unbeatable feats. These feats include nine playoff runs, seven division titles, three N.F.C. championships, and a Super Bowl title. The numbers don’t lie, which is why his N.F.L. impact is axiomatic. He’s been an unstoppable player, achieving feat after feat. Brees’ path to success might seem straightforward, but Brees has had his fair share of physical and professional challenges. This includes an ACL injury labeling him as being ‘too short for a quarterback’ during drafting season, as well as a shoulder injury. Brees has jumped many hurdles to become the highly celebrated athlete he is.

Career timeline

1996

A State Title

After recovering from his ACL tear, Brees leads the Austin Westlake High School football team to the state championship through the team’s 16-0 record.

2000

Brees Wins a Player Award

While in college, Brees wins the Maxwell Award as the nation’s most outstanding player.

2001

The San Diego Chargers Draft Brees

The Chargers draft Brees as their second quarterback in the 2001 Draft, but he quickly rises to become the team's starter in the second season.

2006

A Six-year Deal With the Saints

After his contract with the Chargers elapsed, Brees signs a six-year deal worth $60 million.

2010

The Saints Win the Super Bowl

Brees leads the Saints to defeat the Indianapolis Colts and wins the ‘Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award.’

2012

Brees Signs a $100 Million Contract

In a renewal of their previous contract, the New Orleans Saints and Brees agree to a five-year contract worth $100 million.

2021

Brees Retires From Football

After signing a two-year contract extension agreement worth $50 with the Saints in 2020, Brees announces his retirement from the N.F.L. after 20 seasons of play.

Why We Love Drew Brees

He’s resilient
A quick look at his career timeline will tell you how dedicated and resilient Brees is. He’s worked hard to overcome obstacles.
He supports various charities
Brees has made sizeable donations to different organizations. He generously helped rebuild New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
He cares about people
The Brees Dream Foundation is a charity organization. It has donated over $35 million to multiple charitable causes worldwide.

5 Surprising Facts

He liked baseball better
As a junior in high school, Brees wanted to play baseball in college instead of football.
He didn’t always like his birthmark
Brees has a large birthmark on his face and wished his parents had gotten rid of it, however, he’s grown to love it as his identity.
He married his college sweetheart
In February 2003, Brees and his college sweetheart, Brittany Dudchenko, tied the knot.
His mother died by suicide
Mina Brees died from a prescription drug overdose on August 7, 2009, and the death was ruled a suicide.
He owns 10 Jimmy John stores
Brees owns 10 stores in the American sandwich chain.