Drew Brees Confesses An Emotional Heartfelt Reason He Wears No. 9
Drew Brees is nearing the end of his legendary NFL career that will result in a first-ballot Hall of Fame induction. Brees has firmly entrenched himself as an all-time great in league history. Before he began down this path in the NFL, the New Orleans Saints star quarterback had a genuinely deep reason why he chose to wear No. 9.
Drew Brees’ legendary NFL career
Over the last two decades, Drew Brees has strung together an illustrious NFL career that will land him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Brees has secured his legacy as one of the game’s greatest quarterbacks behind his sustained excellence and historical production. Beyond being a Super Bowl champion and Super Bowl MVP, he holds the all-time mark in career passing yards and is second in career touchdown passes.
The Saints’ star quarterback also holds numerous NFL records, such as being the fastest to reach 70,000 passing yards, most 5,000 passing yard campaigns, and highest career completion percentage. His resume certainly speaks for itself concerning where he ranks all-time in league history.
Before he began his NFL journey, Brees had a touching reason why he chose to wear No. 9.
Drew Brees voices his heartfelt reason for wearing No. 9
Drew Brees has donned the No. 9 jersey throughout his professional career, first with his the then-San Diego Chargers and now the New Orleans Saints.
The number switch is a change from 12 that he wore in each of his four collegiate seasons at Purdue. In July 2016, Brees divulged why he wears No. 9 that came about due to his strong admiration for former Boston Red Sox great Ted Williams. (MLB.com)
“Ted Williams was always my guy. Purest hitter of all time, the Splendid Splinter … That’s why I wear the No. 9, actually, is because of Ted Williams.”
Over the years, Brees has discussed his affinity for baseball as he initially believed that was the sport he could go pro in. However, his football excellence moved him away from that path as he strung together a Hall of Fame NFL career.
His number selection as a dedication to Williams shows his passion for the game of baseball. The former Red Sox great holds recognition as one of the greatest hitters in MLB history. Williams still has the all-time record with a .344 career batting average while earning 19 All-Star Game selections, two AL MVP awards, six AL batting titles, a first-ballot Hall of Fame induction, and his No. 9 jersey retired by the Red Sox.
The connection is deep for Brees beyond his admiration for one of baseball’s greatest talents.
Is the 2020 season campaign his last?
Drew Brees is moving through his 20th season that has drawn lingering questions concerning retirement.
Brees hasn’t entirely shot down the possibility that this may be his final NFL campaign before heading into an NFL broadcasting career with NBC Sports. As the 2020 regular season nears closer to an end, the chatter around the Saints has hammered in the notion that the 41-year-old’s playing days are nearing a close.
The notion has gathered steam with Brees going through his second straight campaign hampered by injuries. Despite not being 100% healed, he’s making his return to the field in Week 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs after a month-long absence due to 11 fractured ribs and a collapsed lung.
Brees still holds tremendous passion for the game, but injuries continue to pile up over the last couple of seasons. Head coach Sean Payton has also hinted at his star quarterback potentially stepping away after this season.
Much can change over the next few months, but the momentum is moving toward his retirement.
