Drew Brees may have broken the all-time passing yards record over two months ago, but that doesn’t mean he will soon forget the journey or those who got him there.
Last week, Brees sent out 174 footballs to all the people he could think of who had helped him reach the milestone.
Players and coaches, past and current, were bestowed with customized footballs and a letter of appreciation from Brees, thanking them for their personal contribution in helping Brees reach the yardage mark.
Notable recipients included former Chargers-teammate and Hall of Famer, LaDainian Tomlinson, and famed athletic doctor James Andrews, who performed carer-saving surgery on Brees’s shoulder back in 2006.
Here’s an example of the footballs sent out by Brees:
Drew Brees sent a customized game ball and a personalized letter to anybody that caught a pass from him or started at offensive line during his career for their contributions to his all-time @NFL passing yardage record! pic.twitter.com/2moAcXFpfC
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 14, 2018
Brees broke the record earlier this season on Oct. 8 in a Monday night home game against Washington. The record was broken on a 2nd quarter TD to Tre’Quan Smith. Brees showed his gratitude that night as well, saluting the fans and celebrating with teammates, coaches, and family.
Drew Brees was mic'd up for one of the biggest plays of his career and a historical @NFL moment! ? pic.twitter.com/6lQOf9j7Gh
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 9, 2018
Brees made a point to reach, not just every receiver who caught a TD from him, but also every lineman that blocked for him, making sure his appreciation as felt by as many people as possible.
Considering Brees is only 20 TDs behind Peyton Manning for the all-time touchdown record (Manning’s record is 539), those close to Brees may want to keep an eye on their mailboxes in the near future.
Brees and the Saints continue their impressive season this week in Carolina.
