Coming Into Year #18 of His NFL Career, Saints QB Drew Brees Throws "Father Time" Aside for a Shot at 1 More Ring
Coming into what will be the 18th season of his illustrious NFL career, New Orleans Saints Drew Brees continues to frustrate critics just as much as he does opposing NFL defenses and defensive coordinators; each of whom is desperately waiting for the day when Brees decides he has had enough and hangs up his cleats.
However as it always inevitably seems to happen each and every year, Saints fans and teammates have to hear about “Father Time catching up with #9.”
Photo courtesy of Wesley Hitt, Getty Images
For those Saints fans unfamiliar with that term, "Father Time" is a reference used to describe the passage of time and history throughout the civilized world, with an old bearded man as its symbolic figure.
With each passing year, #9 continues to throw both "Father Time" and the naysayers aside, and in this upcoming 2018 NFL season, is poised to make an all-out assault on the NFL record books.
But to be absolutely crystal clear: we all know he's still playing even more so, for a shot at winning one more Super Bowl ring.
Actually, Brees has been nothing short of phenomenal throughout his entire career, dating all the way back to his Purdue days.
Brees led the Boilermakers to their first Big Ten Championship in 2000; after leading them to upsets over Michigan and Ohio State. His play that year earned him the 2000 Maxwell Award for the most outstanding player.
Photo courtesy of The Indianapolis Star
It was easy to see even then as a 21-year old, that Drew Brees would be destined for glory in the NFL.
Brees was selected 32nd overall (1st pick of the 2nd round) in the 2001 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, where he had a solid start to his NFL career, leading the Chargers to a Playoff berth in 2004. But after their team had drafted All-American and North Carolina State QB Phillip Rivers and Brees suffered a torn labrum at the conclusion of the 2005 season, San Diego thought it was best to move on from Brees.
Little did Saints fans know, the greatest free agent signing EVER in the League's entire history, was about to take place.
After the Miami Dolphins and their team doctors decided Brees injury was going to further hinder his chances of playing successfully, they agreed to pass on the veteran. New Orleans and their new head coach Sean Payton welcomed him with open arms.
Photo courtesy of Michael C. Hebert
The Payton-Brees era began, and five seasons later, New Orleans would win its first Super Bowl title.
And now we quickly fast forward back to the present day, where the 2018 New Orleans Saints season is one of utmost importance for Brees.
He not only has a chance to chase down another Lombardi Trophy, but he also looks to continue breaking some rather amazing passing records.
He is chasing Peyton Manning and Brett Favre for two passing titles to add to his name. He needs just 1,394 yards to surpass Manning for best all-time Passing yardage leader.
Brees will almost certainly need two seasons to become the all-time passing touchdowns leader. He will need 52 touchdown passes to surpass Peyton Manning as #1.
And yet some way, some how; despite his great career, it always seems as if Brees doesn't getthe recognition he truly deserves.
Instead, everyone talks about his "old age" and expects a decline in his ability.
But make no mistake about it: Brees is STILL one of the best players in the game, and this upcoming season won't be any different, assuming he's able to avoid any injuries that could potentially stop him from doing so.
