Saints Rookie Tyler Shough Praises Drew Brees' Mentorship

Shough credits Brees' guidance for his successful rookie season in New Orleans

Feb. 10, 2026 at 2:07pm

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New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough revealed how Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees mentored him through his first NFL season. Shough, the Saints' second-round pick out of Louisville, said Brees was an "awesome" mentor who helped him prepare and not get overwhelmed by the moment when he took over as the starting QB. Shough went 5-4 as the starter, including a four-game win streak in December that solidified his status as the team's future franchise quarterback.

Why it matters

Brees is a Saints legend and one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, so his mentorship of the young Shough is seen as invaluable for the team's long-term future at the position. Shough's successful rookie campaign has the Saints optimistic they found their next franchise QB after Brees' retirement.

The details

Shough was not the Saints' Week 1 starter as a rookie, sitting behind Spencer Rattler. But when he got his opportunity, Shough leaned on Brees' advice about maintaining the same preparation process regardless of his role or the opponent. Shough went on to lead the Saints to a 5-4 record as the starter, including a four-game win streak in December that cemented his status as the team's QB of the future.

  • Shough spoke with Fox News Digital about Brees' mentorship in a recent interview while in San Francisco for Super Bowl LX.
  • Brees was officially inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026 the week before Super Bowl LX.

The players

Tyler Shough

The New Orleans Saints' second-round draft pick out of Louisville, who took over as the team's starting quarterback during his rookie season and had a successful campaign.

Drew Brees

A legendary NFL quarterback who spent the majority of his career with the New Orleans Saints, setting numerous passing records and being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026.

Kellen Moore

The first-year head coach of the New Orleans Saints.

Spencer Rattler

The quarterback who started ahead of Shough to begin the Saints' 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“He's awesome. He's an incredible mentor because of just who he is on and off the field. He's the pinnacle of being a quarterback in my opinion. He was big for me.”

— Tyler Shough, Saints Quarterback (Fox News Digital)

“For me, it was you have to treat each day and each week with your process the same, regardless of who you're playing, the outcome, what your role is. That way, whenever you're out there, the moment doesn't feel too big. I feel like that really resonated with me.”

— Tyler Shough, Saints Quarterback (Fox News Digital)

“Obviously, full circle now, I just saw him this morning after he got the Hall of Fame induction and we got to talk. He's been big, and hopefully we can continue to grow that relationship. Just what an unbelievable example of greatness.”

— Tyler Shough, Saints Quarterback (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

Shough will look to build on his successful rookie season and continue developing his relationship with Hall of Famer Drew Brees as he aims to cement himself as the Saints' franchise quarterback of the future.

The takeaway

Drew Brees' mentorship of young Saints quarterback Tyler Shough highlights the value of veteran leadership and the importance of passing the torch to the next generation of NFL stars. Shough's breakthrough rookie campaign shows the Saints have found their QB of the future, thanks in large part to Brees' guidance.