New Orleans Saints After Drew Brees
It’s tough to see how the New Orleans Saints have fared since Drew Brees retired following the 2020 season. He wrapped up his remarkable career with four straight playoff appearances, but since then, the team hasn’t enjoyed that same success. They’re now trying to turn things around as Derek Carr’s four-year contract faces challenges like injuries and retirement. The Saints drafted Tyler Schaff in the second round, and he’s competing with Spencer Rattler for the starting quarterback position.
With a critical role like quarterback—traditionally held by Brees for over a decade—there are a lot of questions. Still, there’s a sense of confidence within the team, which, let’s be honest, hasn’t been the most popular in the NFL for some time. In a recent chat, Brees mentioned, “You just have limited experience. But there are many young, eager guys ready to learn.” He seemed optimistic, especially with a solid head coach and a good system, referencing Kellen Moore’s impressive track record.
Brees highlighted that the players are optimistic, noting, “I think everyone is excited inside the Saints’ locker room. You want to see how these QBs develop and who comes out on top.” He also pointed out the team’s experienced defense and strong offensive line, suggesting they have the potential to create challenges for their opponents. “When you look at all the pieces they have,” he said, “it seems like they could definitely cause some problems.” And, well, who doesn’t love a good challenge?
Reflecting on mentorship, Brees acknowledged his former coach Sean Payton’s impact on his journey. Payton is now coaching the Denver Broncos with standout quarterback Bo Nix, who was last season’s second-best rookie quarterback after Jayden Daniels.
Brees shared his enthusiasm about both players, remarking, “I think working together in year two is crucial, and last year must seem like a whirlwind.” It’s pretty interesting to hear someone like him talk about the evolution of players and how they’re thriving now. Brees, who set roots in New Orleans, remains connected to the community through his Breeze Dream Foundation. He’s recently teamed up with Jimmy John’s to offer a special sandwich called “Breeze 9,” with proceeds benefiting youth organizations.
The sandwich includes various ingredients—ham, salami, capicola, with certain seasonings—but notably, no cheese. He’s got some nostalgia tied to this partnership as he shared, “I’ve been a fan of Jimmy John’s since college.” There’s even a fun family tradition where his kids enjoy getting Jimmy John’s after games, with one son specifically requesting the No. 9 sandwich. It’s these little bits of life that truly bring a person down to earth, right?
Brees mentioned that it’s refreshing to see the game returning to its former standards. He highlighted that there used to be a focus on health leading up to the first game, noting, “There’s a balance between being healthy and being prepared.” With collaborative practices becoming more common, he emphasized that it really comes down to the team’s overall mental and physical readiness. I mean, isn’t that the essence of preparing for a season?
