The Charitable Man
- January 21st, 2010
- Posted in Purdue Football
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In a time where the world is focusing on yet another horrific natural disaster, I thought it prudent to highlight some of the things one Purdue grad has done to help his city recover from a tragedy of its own. I’m speaking, of course, about Drew Brees.
Sure, we all know him as the iconic quarterback who led the 2000-01 Boilermakers to their first Rose Bowl appearance in 34 years, but Drew Brees is so much more than just a football star. In a recent Sports Illustrated article, Brees was described as “an athlete as adored and appreciated as any in an American city today”, and you would be hard pressed to find anyone who disagrees with that statement. Brees joined the New Orleans Saints organization 1 year after Hurricane Katrina devastated the area. Without hesitation, Brees and his wife partnered with Operation Kids – an organization devoted to rebuilding academic and athletic facilities, after-school and mentoring programs, and helped restore parks and playgrounds for the children of New Orleans. The people of New Orleans are so thankful for his contributions that they named him Grand Marshal of the Bacchus Parade, which is held 2 days before the start of Mardi Gras. Brees is also involved in roughly 14 other charitable organizations, including the Purdue Athletes Life Success program. (By the way, for any of you golfers out there, Brees will be out at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complext on June 23rd for a charity scramble event.)
At the end of the day, more athletes need to be like Drew Brees. Did we laugh when we heard about Pacman Jones walking into the gentleman’s club with a garbage bag full of money? Sure we did. I wish I had thought of that. But let’s be honest, it’s beyond irresponsible to do something like that when you think about Haiti and New Orleans. Some of you might be thinking I’m one of those jerks who thinks all athletes and celebrities are a bunch of jamokes who do nothing to help humanity. I am certainly not that person, I just think people like Drew Brees need to be commended more than they are.
I am more of an NFL fan than a NCAA fan, so while we are on the subject of Drew Brees, I thought I would highlight some of his accomplishments from the year. In my mind, the most prolific record he has was actually accomplished this season. Brees now holds the record for the highest completion percentage ever with 70.62%. That is unreal. What’s even more unbelievable, is that if the Saints win this weekend against the Vikings, Drew Brees will have led his team to it’s first Super Bowl appearance ever. My track record as a handicapper is beyond terrible so I hope no one takes this advice to heart, but my money is on the Saints this weekend. The Superdome will be rocking on Sunday, and I look for the crowd and disrupt the Vikings in every phase of the game. Sure Favre has has a great year, but if there is anyone in this game capable of making a catastrophic mistake, it’s him. Brees will torch the Vikings defense with over 300 yards passing and Reggie Bush will continue to flex his playoff muscles with another great performance. I really hope the Saints make it to the Super Bowl. Drew Brees certainly deserves it.
-Kenny K
It has to be surreal to play in the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina…the very structure that kept so many people alive! Can’t forget to mention that Drew and Brittany Brees recently donated $2 million to Purdue University to create the Drew and Brittany Brees Student Athlete Academic Center. Brees is the man. Boiler Up!
Having worked with Drew and his charitable efforts in New Orleans, I can attest that our organization (Operation Kids Foundation) thinks the world of him. He and Brittany are the real deal. They aren’t about just writing a check, they are about building a community. Thousands of children in New Orleans are better off because Drew and Brittany care.