Six Questions With Drew Brees
I am wrapping up my celebrity interview series (and this blog…more on that later), and I can’t think of a better way to finish up than with New Orleans Saints quarterback, Drew Brees. Over this past year, I have had some amazing, amazing celebrity parents on this site, and for me, Drew is the epitome of all of them. His dedication to his sport, his team, his charity and his children (did you see the adorable Vicks commercials he did with his son, Baylen, during the playoffs? I looked forward to them every time they came on!) is an example of what a lot of us aspire to. And in fact, when I interviewed him, I made a point to mention how much of a role model he is for DC, and how happy I was that DC had chosen someone so fantastic to admire.
When he’s not on the field for the Saints, he and his wife run the Brees Dream Foundation, which has, to date, raised over eleven million dollars for charity. ELEVEN MILLION. I stand in awe of that dedication. And of course, he’s busy keeping up with his two sons, Baylen and Bowen.
Here, Drew answers my six questions, honestly and with heart. I wouldn’t expect anything less! To stay in the loop with all things Drew is doing, don’t forget to follow him on Twitter too.
1) This is a column about balance in parenting. I’ve learned balance by saying no (to outside distractions), saying yes (to my kids when I can and when reasonable!), and trying not to be perfect. You¹re a busy working (and traveling) dad: how have you found balance between your home and work life?
Being a professional football player is definitely time consuming and there are weeks during the season when I’m not home for days at a time. Luckily, I have an amazing wife and family who are loving, supportive, understanding, and proud of what I do. I think finding balance between your home and work life starts with knowing which one is a priority for you. I love my job, but I never forget priority number one is being a father to a loving family I cherish more than anything.
2) What’s the most important thing that your own parents taught you?
The more I look back on my parents, the more I believe the one lesson they were trying to teach me was resilience. Life isn’t always easy – the same goes for parenting – but things happen for a reason and if you refuse to give up, you’ll make it out better and stronger in the end.
3) What’s the biggest lesson that your sons have taught you?
Enjoy the simple things in life. Watching them enjoy everything for what it is makes you remember that life is meant to be enjoyed with the people you love, and doing the things that make you smile and laugh.
4) Together with your wife, you founded the Brees Dream Foundation which has raised over eleven million dollars for various causes. Why was it so important for you to give back, and do you have any advice for parents who would like to get involved in charity but aren’t sure where to begin?
The charity is a calling for us – something we want to do and were meant to do. I take pride in everything I do on the field, but I’m even prouder of the work our charity does to make a difference in the lives of kids that otherwise wouldn’t have access to certain opportunities. My advice to parents looking to volunteer or start their own charity would be to start small and choose a charity close to their heart. You can find lots of local and national charities online or by contacting your township. And if you live near New Orleans, we’d love to have you as a part of the Brees Dream Foundation.
5) Both in football and in life, you seem to set a standard of excellence. How are you passing this along to your kids?
They’re pretty awesome on their own right now, but it’s up to Brittany and me to ensure they continue to grow up as fine young men. Together we plan on instilling the values we hold dearest – love, respect and courage – and make sure they learn them in practice as they get older.
6) What’s your favorite way to pass time with your family in the off-season?
We love walking to the park, visiting the zoo, and mostly our family concerts. It seems that music is always being played by someone in the house, especially Baylen.
Categories: Balance, Celebrity, Must Read | Tags:
12 Comments
by Jeanne D.
On February 16, 2012 at 11:11 am
Very proud to call Drew our Quarterback for the Saints, he is truly an inspiration to the team and the city we love so much.
by Ellee Temple
On February 16, 2012 at 12:52 pm
There are rare times, when the perfect man meets the perfect city and together they do things that no one ever thought possible. Drew Brees has become the heart of New Orleans because he gave us hope. He is a good man…with a good heart. Thank you Drew.
by KatiM
On February 16, 2012 at 1:46 pm
Love Drew Brees And Everything He Stands For. He Is A True Role Model And A Real Man! Happy To Be A Saints Fan And Watch Him And The Team Do So Many Great Things In The World! The World Needs More People Like Drew Brees In It! Thank You Drew!
by Misty
On February 16, 2012 at 2:24 pm
I loved watching Drew play for Purdue while I was in school there and I enjoy now watching him play for the Saints! I will root for any team that he is part of, he truly is an inspiration!
by David
On February 16, 2012 at 7:10 pm
The epitome of role model the NFL likes to put out there as a role model. He is a true Saint. Pun intended.
by Rick
On February 16, 2012 at 8:42 pm
Allison,
Nice words about a great, very hard working guy who is highly dedicated in all facets of his life – family, faith, football, friend and foundation.
High quality work about a high quality person.
Wishing you continued success!
by Dee
On February 17, 2012 at 6:01 am
Cherish Drew as a great role model, on and off the field! We are really blessed to have him play as a Saint and be a part of NOLA. He has done so much for New Orleans and means a lot to the city and to La. Such a great man, with a beautiful family. He truly is a blessing for New Orleans and his fans and the Saints! Truly love him. God Bless You, Drew and your family.
by PFT: Tebow draws ‘few more girls’ in Westwood « Sports Greatest Rivalries
On February 17, 2012 at 2:34 pm
[...] QB Drew Brees is talking more about parenting than his contract right [...]
by Jason Fillingame
On February 17, 2012 at 11:02 pm
I can`t wait till Drew signs a long term contract 2 keep him in New Orleans 4 the rest of his career.I can`t say enough about a man,father,teammate,leader of men and all of his work on and off the field.We love u Drew.Now we just need u 2 sign a contract already so we want have 2 franchise u.We need it elsewhere on the team.You r the franchise.Without u we wouldn`t have a Super Bowl Trophy.But we do need Colston,Nicks,Porter,Meachem,and a pass rusher.Thanks 4 the time.Who Dat from Columbia,Mississippi.
by Lucy
On February 19, 2012 at 12:54 am
We are so lucky as Saints fans to have a player like Drew as our quarterback on the field but we are even more fortunate to have a man like Drew as a citizen and leader of our city off the field. What a breath of fresh air to see a professional athlete who is truly the epitome of what a role model should be. Parents if you want to encourage your children to look up to someone in professional sports look no further than #9 truly a great athlete and an even better person!
by Cali-Mick
On February 19, 2012 at 9:54 am
Brees is very impressive father & QB who puts his
family first.
So he’ll not then take a home town discount from the Saints….
If it blows up, Brees will be even greater on a team w/ defence like the 49ers or Ravens sign him.
Then do the Saints sign Peyton Manning?
by Jay Brees
On February 19, 2012 at 10:51 pm
As a first cousin (my father and his grandfather were brothers) its very easy and rewarding to tell people that I am related to this man. Who wants to root for the bengals anyway…..lol. Go Saints – Go Drew. Jay Brees