Finding role models in the world of professional sports is a daunting task - but among the very few that could be considered legitimate role models stands former Saints quarterback Drew Brees.
Drew Brees is a certified first ballot Hall of Famer, and the NFL records he holds speak for themselves. I will leave the analysis of the impressive records and statistics to the sports experts. I want to focus on my impression of Drew Brees - the man.
At a time when male role models are as rare as compromise in Washington, D.C., Drew Brees stands out. We have all witnessed sports celebrities fall from grace. What changed the status of many professional athletes in the eyes of the public includes murder, rape, domestic violence, and drugs. Currently, the news is dominated by a high-profile politician, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is accused of the sexual harassment of women; and demands for his resignation are mounting, even from his own political party.
As Drew Brees retires after 20 years in the NFL - 15 with the Saints - it is natural to think back on what Brees meant to the Saints and to the city of New Orleans. But it is also important to think about Drew Brees - the man.
The definition of what it means to be a “man” in the world today may be blurry, but the example that Drew Brees represents is impossible to deny. From what we see as observing fans, Drew is exceptional on many levels. Let’s acknowledge that Drew Brees is human and no human is perfect; but in the context of comparisons with other high-profile individuals, Drew appears to live up to the rare honor of being called a role model.
Here’s what we know about Drew Brees: he was an outstanding QB in the NFL and the records he set will forever be his distinguishing mark. From all accounts, he was a leader and led by example. Corroborating stories from coaches and players about his work ethic and commitment to his job paint a picture of a man who was not distracted by the opportunities offered by his wealth. Drew Brees was generous and donated millions and millions of dollars to the city of New Orleans and to many in need.
At a time when compassion in men is interpreted as a weakness, Drew showed it can be a characteristic of strength. Compassion and toughness do not always coexist in a person’s character, but Drew Brees shattered the notion that a man cannot be both tough and compassionate.
Drew came to the Saints in 2006 when New Orleans was still a broken city from Hurricane Katrina. Along with new coach Sean Payton, Drew became a light that would shine through despair and gave hope to the many who felt hopeless. The game of football didn’t save or rebuild lives, but it did provide a necessary distraction from the bleak reality following Katrina. Drew Brees proved to be the leader of hope and change and it gave the city something to rally around.
Drew’s impact on the Saints was immediate; and within a few years he would lead the Saints and their fans to the NFL’s promised land. Whether he wanted it or not, Drew Brees was anointed as someone who would personify the collective resolve of our city. Over his 15 years of playing for the Saints, he seemed to live up to the role he stepped into when he first put on a Saints uniform.
The biggest challenge to being a man is to be great at work while also being great as a father, husband, and citizen. Drew Brees achieved greatness in every role he played. The simple innocence of his four children sitting on their sofa and announcing that their “dad is finally going to retire so he can spend more time with us” seemed to validate that Drew was a dedicated father as well as a dedicated football player.
There was something very comforting in the idea that we, as fans, were sensing a new degree of separation from Drew, but we were releasing him to spend more time with his family.
With the conversation shifting now to who will replace Drew Brees, let’s be realistic and admit that no one will replace Drew Brees. Someone will take over the QB position of the New Orleans Saints, but no one will fill all that Drew meant to the team and to the city. It’s hard to imagine that he will ever be replaced as the example he gave us of what it means to be a man.
Thank you, Drew!
