Drew Brees

A new Christian messenger is on the scene, ironically as the quarterback of the New Orleans Saints. Drew Brees is in line to possibly be the Most Valuable Player in the NFL. He lead the Saints to their first Super Bowl championship. The Saints have had a dream season, winning their first 13 games, before losing three in a row. Brees has been their inspiration on and off the field. He was a winner in high school taking his Texas high school team to a state championship and a perfect record. At Purdue, in 2001, he guided the Boilers to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1967. In 1998 Purdue upset then #4 Kansas State in the Alamo Bowl. The San Diego Chargers drafted Brees in the second round in 2001, but his career never really seemed to click there, despite a Pro Bowl year in 2004. The Chargers seemed to be grooming Philip Rivers, their 2004 draft pick from North Carolina State. After an injury in 2005, the Chargers let Brees go.

“At the time, I felt like (the injury) was the worst thing that could ever happen to me at the worst time,” Brees now says. But he relied on Romans 8:28 which says, “All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose.” Though his San Diego career had been like a roller coaster, his faith had been steadily growing. He had been mentored by the Chargers quarterback coach, Cam Cameron, former head coach at Indiana University. Cameron, a devout Christian, had accepted Christ at age 13 at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes camp. He started each of his days with a 30 minute quiet time. Brees had accepted Christ in his home church on his 16th birthday in 1996, but during his years at Purdue, his spirituality and church attendance had been put on a back burner. Cameron had become a spiritual encourager for his young quarterback.

In 2005, following Hurricane Katrina, everything about New Orleans seemed hopeless, including their Saints. The Saints had won only 3 games the previous year. Though he had other offers, Drew and wife Brittany decided to sign with New Orleans, and move from sunny California to the wreckage of the “Big Easy”. It was a move made in Heaven. The first year wasn’t easy, as the Saints played all their “home” games in San Antonio. But in 2006, with the Super Dome rebuilt, Brees guided the Saints to a 13-6 record, and the runner-up spot in the NFC.

Brees has now become the face of a renewed New Orleans. He and Brittany decided to move into the city, and he has devoted himself to personally help with construction of local homes, and becoming involved with neighborhood schools. He has also established the Brees Dream Foundation which has raised nearly $5 million for cancer research and the rebuilding of playgrounds and athletic fields in New Orleans.

His message in word and deed is that God is in control. He has become a role model, not only to fans and the community, but also to his teammates. His message is loud and clear. NFL men aren’t gods, but some are God’s men.