Drew Brees retired from the NFL after an illustrious 20-year career as a quarterback, most prominently with the New Orleans Saints. Since hanging up his cleats, Brees has stayed busy with media roles, business ventures, charity work, and family life. In 2024, the former Super Bowl champion has shown no signs of slowing down his active post-playing lifestyle. In this article, we will learn about What is Drew Brees Doing Now.
Drew Brees’ Broadcasting Career
Once known for his pinpoint passes on the field, Drew Brees now provides insightful commentary from the broadcast booth.
Drew Brees Joins NBC Sports
Weeks after retiring from the NFL in March 2021, NBC Sports announced Brees would be joining their studio coverage as an analyst. He made his on-air debut during the network’s NFL pregame show Football Night in America that coming fall season.
In 2022, Brees also began contributing to Notre Dame college football game day coverage on NBC and the Peacock streaming service alongside play-by-play legend Mike Tirico. The former Purdue quarterback brought familiarity with the college game to educate viewers on offensive and defensive formations.
Brees received positive reviews for quickly translating his tactical mastery into accessible explanations for hardcore and casual viewers alike.
Will Drew Brees Call NFL Games in 2024?
After serving in the studio for two seasons, there has been speculation that Drew Brees could shift to the booth as an NFL game analyst.
With Brees’ deep insight matched by infectious charisma, networks aim to feature him more prominently. Calling games allows Drew to break down the live-action where his passion thrives rather than packaged highlight analysis.
In 2024 and beyond, don’t be surprised if you hear Drew Brees’ voice narrating the action as NFL Sundays unfold each fall.
Drew Brees’ Business Ventures
Drew Brees has also pursued various business ventures that allow him to blend his entrepreneurial spirit with giving back to local communities.
Drew Brees Launches “Small Sliders” Chicken Restaurant
In late 2022, Brees opened a quick-service chicken tenders and sliders restaurant titled Small Sliders in New Orleans. The comfort food concept was inspired by dishes Brees often ate to refuel between double training sessions while playing for the Saints.
With Small Sliders, Brees expanded his existing relationship with Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux founder Brandon Landry. Beyond co-owning several Walk-On franchise locations, Brees aided Landry in developing the Small Sliders brand – from planning the menu to perfecting operations.
The first location near Louisiana State University has seen steady business since opening. Brees aims to expand Small Sliders with over 10 additional locations in Baton Rouge and New Orleans by the end of 2024.
For Brees, Small Sliders allows him to remain actively involved in the New Orleans community that supported him for 15 NFL seasons. Locals also love having a business venture from one of the city’s most beloved figures.
What Other Companies Does Drew Brees Invest In?
In addition to co-owning several Louisiana Walk-On franchise locations, Brees has strategically invested in other emerging food and beverage brands.
This includes an ownership stake in BeatBox Beverages, a party punch company founded by Justin Fenchel, a former Saints teammate of Brees. As of late 2023, BeatBox punches are sold in over 30,000 stores nationwide aided by Brees’ investment capital and marketing assistance.
Brees also holds equity in Momentous, a women-led sports nutrition start-up, Hyperice, which produces recovery and movement-enhancing devices for athletes, and Surthrival, a wellness brand focused on mushroom supplements.
Alongside savvy financial upside, these investments allow Brees to support brands aligned with health and wellness – values important for his own sustained peak performance throughout 20 NFL seasons.
Drew Brees’ Charity & Community Work
While Drew Brees carved out an unmatched NFL legacy on the field, his compassionate spirit extended beyond football to uplifting others – a priority that still drives his post-playing days.
Brees Continues Charitable Work Through Brees Dream Foundation
In 2003, Drew Brees and his wife Brittany founded a charitable foundation bearing their last name. The Brees Dream Foundation has contributed over $45 million to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and provide care, education opportunities, and athletics access for children in need.
Even since retiring from his Saints playing career, Drew devoted ample time to expanding the foundation’s community outreach. This includes funding children’s healthcare services and launching new initiatives like the 2023 “City Flag Football” youth sports league to increase access for kids in underserved New Orleans neighborhoods.
Drew Brees Remains Heavily Involved With New Orleans Community
Beyond his foundation work and business ventures creating local jobs, Brees always carves out time for special community events when his broadcasting schedule allows.
In February 2023, Drew and Brittany co-chaired a prominent New Orleans-area fundraiser that generated record donations exceeding $2 million for children’s charities. Brees also frequently visits local schools and hospitals to lift the spirits of inspired young fans.
The impact of Brees’ continual generosity and presence established an inseparable, almost familial bond between the quarterback and the New Orleans community.
What Inspires Drew Brees To Give Back?
When asked about his continual community support during a September 2023 American Heart Association event, Drew responded:
“New Orleans means the world to me. All of the charitable efforts and engagement from myself, Brittany, and the Dream Foundation exist to show our gratitude for how this amazing city and community embraced our family when I became a Saint.”
“My playing days might be done, but providing mentorship, joy, and resources to the next generation of New Orleans never stops being a vital mission for me.”
Drew Brees’ Ongoing Connection to the Saints
Drew Brees not only left a lasting legacy on New Orleans Saints history with his 15 record-setting seasons under center, but he remains an active ambassador for the franchise in retirement through alumni, fan outreach, and advisor roles.
Brees Inducted Into the Saints’ Hall of Fame
In October 2022, the Saints officially inducted Drew Brees into the franchise’s Hall of Fame just over a year after he retired from the NFL.
As part of a weekend-long celebration, Brees became the 17th inductee into the Saints’ Hall during an emotional halftime ceremony. The quarterback received his gold blazer to uproarious applause from over 73,000 appreciative Saints fans at Caesars Superdome.
“When Tom Benson brought the Saints to New Orleans over 30 years ago, he gave this region hope,” Brees passionately stated during his induction speech.
“My greatest honor was fulfilling a duty shared by all past and current Saints to represent the essence of resilience, spirit, and everything it means to uphold that inspiring legacy.”
How Else Does Brees Support The Saints?
Alongside the occasional visit to Saints practice or game, Brees maintains an open line of communication with team executives should they ever request his quarterback evaluation insight.
Brees also participates in various Saints alumni events, community initiatives, corporate engagements, and fan experiences – especially leading up to the opening of the new season. Before 2023’s NFL Kickoff game, the quarterback-turned-broadcaster sat down for a roundtable discussion with other past Saints legends.
While Brees aims not to overstep or undermine current leadership, when needed he provides guidance critical to preserving Saints culture. This understated advisor role will keep Drew Brees connected to the team he led for over a decade.
A Look At Drew Brees’ Personal Life
While his professional endeavors occupy significant time, Brees always ensures his top priority remains family time with his wife Brittany and their four young children.
Drew Brees’ Life at Home As a Father
Despite his hectic schedule between broadcasting, business ventures, and community commitments, Drew Brees carves out downtime for school activities and simple play sessions creating special memories with his kids at home.
Brees’ Instagram provides a glimpse of this balance between working and parenting. Between photos at NFL stadiums analyzing the week’s top highlights, you may see Drew beaming while coaching his son’s flag football game or wearing silly holiday-themed onesies for family movie night.
How Actively Involved is Brees With His Children’s Sports?
Extremely involved. Between flag football, basketball, soccer, gymnastics, and swimming activities, Brees serves not just as a spectator and cheerleader for his three sons and daughters but also as a hands-on coach providing tips during practices.
Brittany Brees told People Magazine it’s common each evening to find Drew out in their yard practicing youth football plays with the kids until sunset. Brees himself has stated that even amidst immense professional success across business and broadcasting fields, his proudest daily achievement is supporting four incredible children and unlocking their potential.
Drew Brees’ Continued Prominence and Legacy
Drew Brees’ visibility and community impact remain highly prominent in football circles and local Louisiana neighborhoods alike. The Super Bowl-winning quarterback has seamlessly transitioned to an ambassadorial role leveraging his fame for positive influence.
Drew Brees’ Name Recognition Nationwide
Years after throwing his final NFL pass, Brees’ stature not only endures locally in New Orleans but also nationwide.
A 2023 national survey by sports media research firm Athlon Analytica ranking NFL player popularity placed Drew Brees at #8 – the highest retired player presence by far. Such sustained name recognition years later highlights how Brees connected with fans beyond just his on-field success.
What Is Brees’ Legacy For Advancing Football?
Brees will be remembered for revolutionizing pass-centric offensive systems anchored by elite quarterback play. His pinpoint precision as a passer paired with Sean Payton’s creative playcalling made the Saints nearly impossible to defend for over a decade. Their explosive attack centered around Brees’ quick passes and streaking receivers ultimately influenced scheme trends adopted league-wide.
On an individual level, Brees still holds multiple NFL records like single-season completion percentage (74.4%) and most 5,000+ yard passing seasons (5). The quarterback’s continuous refining of mechanics and mastery of reading defenses sustained his consistency well into his late 30s.
How Does Brees’ Post-Career Trajectory Compare?
The seamless transition Brees made into media and business ventures mirrors former Pro Bowl quarterbacks like Peyton Manning and Troy Aikman. Manning also carved analyst roles at major networks, while Aikman became the lead broadcaster for Fox Sports.
However, the continual community leadership Brees upholds even years after retiring goes unmatched by almost any past NFL player – aside from perhaps Baltimore Ravens legend Ray Lewis. Like Lewis in Baltimore, Brees shares an almost folkloric legacy locally in New Orleans for how he resurrected a football franchise while lifting citizens emotionally and economically.
The next generation of Saints fans will be proudly wearing Brees’ #9 jerseys just as today’s loyal fans don Drew Brees throwbacks in the Caesars Superdome stands each Sunday. That timeless connection assures his New Orleans prominence lives on eternally.
Frequently Asked Questions About What is Drew Brees Doing Now
Drew Brees’ retirement from his legendary NFL playing career has opened new doors in broadcasting, business, and philanthropy. Here are answers to 20 of the most frequently asked questions about Brees’ current ventures and activities in 2024.
How has Drew Brees performed as an NFL analyst?
Brees has earned widespread acclaim since joining NBC Sports as a studio analyst in 2021. His ability to break down offensive and defensive schemes yet insightfully for hardcore and casual viewers alike quickly shined. Brees credits his broadcasting success to utilizing a similar study-centered approach relied on as an NFL quarterback preparing for each week’s opponent.
What does Drew Brees’ NBC contract entail?
Brees originally signed a multi-year contract with NBC Sports in 2021. While financial terms were undisclosed, most top NFL analysts earn an average salary ranging from $2 to $5 million annually. Alongside NFL studio roles, Brees contributes to Notre Dame college football coverage as part of the partnership agreement.
Does Drew Brees plan to become an NFL game analyst eventually?
Many fans and media pundits have speculated Brees could shift to calling NFL games rather than just studio shows. Play-by-play requires different skills than studio work but allows Brees’ renowned strategic mind to directly critique live action. Expect a booth analyst role to possibly be in Brees’ future at some point.
How is Drew Brees involved with NBC’s Super Bowl LVIII coverage?
Leading up to Super Bowl LVIII, Brees serves as an on-site analyst for NBC showing his usual vocal yet genial flair. Alongside sharing insight during studio programs like Football Night in America, Brees is featured on fan-focused community segments bringing his charismatic energy closer to viewers.
How did the idea for Drew Brees’ Small Sliders restaurant concept originate?
Co-founder Brandon Landry shared the inspiration came from the laidback slider fare Brees regularly ate to refuel between intensive Saints dual practice sessions. Brees aided menu planning and narrowing top recipes. The name Small Sliders is tied to his diminutive physical size, which Brees self-deprecatingly jokes about often.
Does Drew Brees own other restaurants aside from Small Sliders?
Yes. Brees also co-owns several locations of Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux franchise started by Brandon Landry across Louisiana and Texas. Much like Saints fans walking into Caesars Superdome on Sundays, visiting a Brees-owned restaurant allows fans to tangibly connect with his lasting legacy across the Gulf Coast.
Why is community service still vital for Drew Brees after retirement?
Brees shared in 2023 that his continual community efforts exist to reciprocate New Orleans’ deep support during both triumphs and tribulations over his 15-year Saints career. Uplifting citizens emotionally and financially remains Brees’ driving purpose regardless of playing status. His foundation raised over $45 million since its inception.
How much charity work is Brees involved with annually?
While Brees aims for continual engagement, his foundation leadership ensures major events occur each year for maximum fundraising impact. This includes his co-chairing 50 charity events over the past decade. Brees also contributes personal appearances at various schools, hospitals, and fan gatherings when possible between obligations.
Does Drew Brees still connect with the Saints often?
Yes, Brees maintains regular communication with Saints executives should they request any special quarterback insight. Brees also participates in various alumni events, community initiatives, and fan experiences – especially leading up to the NFL season kickoff each Fall. His 2021 induction into the Saints Hall of Fame further cemented the mutually reverential relationship.
What inspired the Saints to build a statue for Drew Brees?
The passionate connection between Brees and New Orleans forged an eternal bond bigger than football. His gritty resilience mirrored the region’s recovery from damaging hurricanes. The striking 11-foot gold-colored statue outside Caesars Superdome commemorates Brees lifting a resilient city and fanbase while attaining gridiron glory.
How would Drew Brees describe life after his playing career?
In a 2023 interview, Brees stated: “The greatest blessing is having flexibility to be fully present with my wife and kids after 20 years on a regimented NFL schedule.” Brees cherishes small moments like helping his son’s flag football teams and taking his daughter to daddy-daughter dances.
What does a typical day in life look like for retired Drew Brees?
Brees starts early with an intense multi-sport workout to stay active. His days blend meetings for business ventures and creatively developing new community initiatives with school functions for the kids and date nights with Brittany. Even amidst a non-stop routine, Brees remains grounded by family joy.
Does Drew Brees have an interest in NFL ownership one day?
Brees has mentioned he “would certainly listen” if Saints owner Gayle Benson ever offered the opportunity for a minority ownership stake. However, Brees feels he can make the most direct local impact currently through his foundation efforts and business ventures as an independent rather than partial figurehead.
What football team do Brees’ sons play for?
Brees’ three sons Baylen, Bowen, and Callen all play youth football for the Carmel Coyotes program near their home north of San Diego. Brees serves as an assistant coach guiding skill development and sharing team-building wisdom learned from his Saints days.
