Drew Brees Q&A: Purdue Football, Hudson Card's Growth, Notre Dame Rivalry and More (2024)

This story is a conversaton between former Purdue Boilermakers and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and Sports Illustrated/Purdue writer Dustin Schutte. Brees is partnering with Dos Equis as part of the’“Go for Dos” campaign, which involves college football, two-point conversions and one million free beers.

No matter how much time passes, Drew Brees remains one of the most prominent figures in the history of Purdue football. He helped revolutionize offense in the Big Ten and led the Boilermakers to a conference championship and a Rose Bowl appearance in 2000.

Recently, Sports Illustrated/Purdue had the opportunity to speak with Brees prior to the start of the 2024 college football season. The Purdue legend talked about the job coach Ryan Walters has done in West Lafayette, the growth of quarterback Hudson Card, the return of the Notre Dame rivalry and plenty more.

Question: After winning the Big Ten Championship Game in 2022, Purdue went through a bit of a rebuild. They hired Ryan Walters, brought in a new staff, had to go through some growing pains. What do you see out of Ryan and what do you like about his staff and how things run in West Lafayette?

Brees: "I love that we went out and got a young, aggressive, defensive coach. That's something that, historically at Purdue since I came in as part of Joe Tiller's first recruiting class in 1997, I think a lot of the focus was on offense. A high-flying, spread offensive, kind of taking the Big Ten by storm. Which, certainly we did back in '97. I think we kind of changed the complexion of the Big Ten and that style offense — succeeding in the Big Ten. We now live in a day and age where everyone has a version of it, right? Everybody has the ability to spread it out, air it out.

"Every coaching hire for us after that was geared around this spread offense. Then, all of a sudden, we go out and get a young, talented, aggressive defensive coach. Now, he goes out and hires Graham Harrell, who came from Mike Leach, spread offense. So, we maintain that high-flying, basketball on grass, aggressive style of passing game. But you now pair that with, I think an equally aggressive style of defense. It just makes for a more exciting brand of football. A brand of football that a lot of players at the college and high school levels take notice of, saying, 'Man, I'd love to play for a coach like that. I'd love to play in a system like that.'

Question: (Quarterback) Hudson Card proved a lot last year, but he played pretty dinged up. He had a hurt shoulder, injured ribs and still played. What have you seen from Hudson and how beneficial is it for a quarterback to be in the second year of the same offensive scheme?

Brees: "Yeah, so I've been keeping up with Hudson Card throughout the offseason and then into training camp. He's having a great camp, and I'm excited for him.

"It's a monumental difference, going into the second year in a system versus the first. Not just from the perspective of understanding the system, but just for the guys you're playing with. You get another offseason under your belt, a chance to build team chemistry, team camaraderie. And you get to find your comfort level with the things you really like, the things you do well, things that other guys do well and what's going to set you up for success.

"I think the second year for all of those guys — the coaching staff, the players, Hudson Card — this is the opportunity to make that next big jump."

Question: You said you've been in contact with Hudson, has that always been something you've done since you've graduated from Purdue, staying in contact with current quarterbacks, helping them on their journey?

Brees: "Honestly, it's just making myself available. Everybody kind of has their own routine and their own system. But if they know that there's this support system that's always in place if they need something — it could be a question about X's and O's, could be a question about how you're handling the balance of academics and athletics, it could be any number of things.

"I've had many conversations with a number of guys over the years just about life in general, all the way to the X's and O's of a route concept. I want those guys to always know that I'm available and I want them to be successful and I'll do whatever I can to help them get there."

Question: This is the hard-hitting question for you, Drew. I was curious about how much contact you have with Ryan Walters? Because I've asked two times if he's been able to get to Triple XXX and try the peanut butter burger and he hasn't caved yet. I didn't know if you'd be able to talk him into that? He says it's not his thing.

Brees: "That's a good call. Yeah, that is a specific palate that would enjoy that.

"I actually just texted him a few days ago, just checking in to see how everything was going with camp and everything getting ramped up with these final scrimmages and then the season. He's pretty stoked, he's ready to roll."

Question: Do you have any plans to get back to Ross-Ade Stadium this season?

Brees: "Man, I'm going to try to, I'm going to do my best. There's a couple great ones, like that Notre Dame game, I'd love to make it to. I just don't know if we'll be able to.

"I'm coaching my boys, both high school level and Pop Warner. That's proven to be pretty involving. So, I'm going to do my best. But I'm always watching, supporting, even if I'm 1,000 miles away."

Question: You guys had some great games against Notre Dame when you played. How cool is it, how exciting is it for you to have that rivalry game back on the schedule, at least for a short period of time?

Brees: "It's awesome. Believe it or not, that was one of the factors, one of the things I appreciated when I chose Purdue. Look, I didn't have many opportunities — it was Purdue or Kentucky. After the academic reputation of Purdue, it was looking at the Big Ten schedule and looking at the fact that they played Notre Dame every year.

"As a kid growing up in Texas, there were a lot of Texas kids that played for Notre Dame. (Receiver) Tim Brown was one, and there were a few others that I can recall. When I was a kid, I was watching the Southwest Conference, and I was watching Notre Dame. Because Notre Dame was independent, they were always on NBC, so we were watching Notre Dame games.

"That was kind of our household tradition. So, to be in a situation where I was playing against Notre Dame every year. It was like, man, that's a dream come true. Playing in that stadium, amongst all the titans in college football. Historically, that was a huge factor.

"I hated when that game went away. I get it, per their ACC agreement, they were going to play ACC teams and drop the Big Ten teams. But, man, you always looked forward to watching Notre Dame play Michigan, Michigan State, and Purdue. It would be great if they could bring that back somehow."

Question: Tell me about the promotion you're working on with Dos Equis this year.

Brees: "Yeah, this is a lot of fun. So, the campaign is "Go for Dos." We want to see if, this year, college football teams in Division I can go for (a) two(-point conversion) more times this year than they did last year. They went for two 392 times last year. So, if they go for two more than that this year, Dos Equis will give away up to 1 million free beers to college football fans everywhere. Which, is awesome.

"You think about one of the most exciting plays in sports is going for two. You can break it out at any point in the game — early in the game, certainly late in the game. It's when you get break out all of your trick plays, you're probably throwing the ball a lot. That's when a lot of the exciting stuff happens.

"We did a study one time when I was with the (New Orleans) Saints — basically, if you're able to go for two and be successful for than 50% of the time, then why wouldn't you do that? Why wouldn't you go for two every time you score? You'd have to have a pretty healthy list of plays you could run through to do it, but at the end of the day, you're going to score more points."

Question: You've had some pretty memorable two-point conversions in your career. I remember specifically when you flipped over a defender to get into the end zone in the 1999 Purdue-Notre Dame game.

Brees: "Yeah, that was at a critical point at the end of the game.

"We also went for two at the end of the Super Bowl (XLIV). When we scored, it helped us to go up seven points — it was one of the best plays in the game. Lance Moore made a miraculous catch. At first they called it incomplete, then it went to review and then it was ruled complete. It was an awesome, momentum-changing moment for us. We went on to win the Super Bowl.

"So, yeah, there have been some two-point conversions that have been pretty significant in my career."

Question: I'm curious to get your perspective — with all the data, the analytics that's become available, it seems like teams and coaches are attempting two-point conversions more. Are you a fan of that? Or are coaches overthinking things too much at times?

Brees: "Sean Payton used to say it like this — somebody would ask, 'Hey, should we go for two here.' And he would say, 'I don't know, do you have a play you like?' If you have a play you like and everybody believes it's going to work, that's the battle right there. If you go into a situation with a ton of confidence ... you're more apt to be successful with it.

"If you're just looking at analytics and you're going for two just because the analytics say to do it, but nobody really feels good about it, or there isn't a play you like or the situation doesn't call for it, you have to put the data aside. Data is great, but, do you have a play you like? Do you have a matchup you like? Do you feel like you have a play that has answers and is going to work?"

Question: Last question for you — I know you're a big pickleball player, you talked earlier about coaching your sons, but what other hobbies have you come across or picked up in your post-football career?

Brees: "I love to stay active, I love sports, I love to compete. The coaching thing in the fall takes up a ton of time.

"But I get to ski with the kids now, which I didn't do when I was playing. Mountain biking, water sports, get in the ocean, get in the lake. Pickleball stuff. Hopefully some more golf, I haven't been playing enough, I need to play more."

WHAT RYAN WALTERS SAID AT WEEKLY PRESSER: Purdue coach Ryan Walters met with reporters on Monday, as the Boilermakers prepare for their season opener against Indiana State on Saturday. CLICK HERE

Drew Brees Q&A: Purdue Football, Hudson Card's Growth, Notre Dame Rivalry and More (2024)

FAQs

Was Drew Brees good at Purdue? ›

Prior to his NFL career, Brees enjoyed a tremendous career at Purdue. He was twice named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year (1998, 2000) and was named the conference's Most Valuable Player in 2000.

What degree did Drew Brees get at Purdue? ›

He attended Purdue University where he earned a bachelor's degree in Industrial Management from the prestigious Krannert School of Management while lettering in football from 1997---2000. A two---time Heisman finalist, Brees led the Boilermakers to a Big Ten Championship and Rose Bowl appearance during the 2000 season.

Where did Drew Brees go to college and play football? ›

A three-year starting quarterback at Purdue, Drew Brees led the Boilermakers to a 24-13 record, a Big Ten title and a 37-34 victory over Kansas State in the 1998 Alamo Bowl, earning game MVP honors after throwing for 230 yards and three touchdowns.

How did Drew Brees get into football? ›

Brees played college football for the Purdue Boilermakers, where he set the Big Ten Conference records for completions, attempts, and yards. Due to questions over his height and arm strength, however, he was not selected until the second round of the 2001 NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers.

Did Drew Brees get into the Hall of Fame? ›

Photos: Saints announce 2024 Hall of Fame inductees

The New Orleans Saints announced that Drew Brees and Doug Moreau will be the newest members inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame during the 2024 NFL season in an announcement press conference on Thursday, May 30, 2024.

How good was Drew Brees in college? ›

Where did Drew Brees play college football? Drew Brees was a three-year starter at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, where he set school and Big Ten Conference records for almost every major career passing statistic, including passing yards and touchdowns.

How much has Drew Brees donated to Purdue? ›

A $2 million gift from former Boilermaker All-America quarterback Drew Brees and his wife Brittany will boost the academic side of Purdue University's intercollegiate athletics program.

What companies does Drew Brees own? ›

Drew Brees' businesses
  • 69 Dunkin' coffee shops.
  • 85 Everbowl fast-casual superfood stores.
  • A 25% ownership stake in the Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux, one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in the U.S.
  • A Stretch Zone gym in New Orleans.
Feb 8, 2024

How many Super Bowls did Drew Brees play in? ›

Drew Brees played 1 game in Super Bowls in his career.
NAMEDATE
1D. Brees2/7/2010

Where does Drew Brees live full time? ›

While Brees and his family primarily live in San Diego, he still keeps a residence in New Orleans and has several businesses and investments in and around the city.

Who is Drew Brees' wife? ›

New Orleans Saints legend Drew Brees and his wife Brittany visit France as part of the Saints marketing efforts in the country. New Orleans Saints legend Drew Brees and his wife Brittany visit France as part of the Saints marketing efforts in the country.

Does Drew Brees have a house in California? ›

NFL quarterback Drew Brees sold his home in Carmel Valley in 2002 and now reportedly lives in Del Mar. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)Photo by: Maddie MeyerCopyright 2017 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Is Drew Brees a Millionaire? ›

What is Drew Brees' Net Worth and Salary? Drew Brees is a retired American professional NFL quarterback who has a net worth of $160 million. Drew Brees had a remarkable 20-year career in the NFL as a quarterback.

How much did Drew Brees make a year? ›

2020-2021 Extension

Drew Brees signed a 2 year , $50,000,000 contract with the New Orleans Saints, including $25,000,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $25,000,000.

What are some fun facts about Drew Brees? ›

Brees is only the third player in NFL history to throw for 40 or more touchdowns twice, joining Dan Marino and Manning. 4. Brees and his wife Brittany have four children: Sons Baylen, Bowen and Callen and the family's newest addition daughter Rylen.

Why did Drew Brees coach Purdue? ›

In an ESPN College GameDay interview hours before the Citrus Bowl, Brees was asked why he accepted the interim role and if he was considering college coaching in the future. “First and foremost, I am doing this for Purdue University because I love my school,” Brees replied.

What NFL player went to Purdue? ›

All Players
PosPlayer
QBDavid Blough2019-2022
FBGeorge Bolan1921-1924
GLarry Bowie1962-1968
QBDrew Brees2001-2020
38 more rows

Who was the quarterback that won the Super Bowl at Purdue? ›

Super Bowl titles: 4

Len Dawson became the first Purdue quarterback to don the ring as he led the Chiefs to a win in Super Bowl IV after the 1969 season. Bob Griese led a mini-dynasty with the Miami Dolphins in two NFL championships (VII, VIII), and Drew Brees won Super Bowl XLIV with the Saints.

Who was the quarterback for the Purdue Rose Bowl? ›

Washington's victory broke a four-game win streak by the Big Ten in the Rose Bowl. This was Purdue's second Rose Bowl appearance, as both of Purdue's starting Rose Bowl quarterbacks (Bob Griese and Brees) eventually started and won the Super Bowl.

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