Drew Brees Reflects on His Charger Career

By Johnny McDonald

Drew Brees can reflect on the good and bad times with the San Diego Chargers, but he says he has managed to stay the course.

Speaking to a huge luncheon crowd at the Hall of Champions last week, he referred to his five years here as “fascinating.” It was a time in which the team almost gave up on him and were considering a trade to the Green Bay Packers.

“Everything happens for a reason,” Brees said. “You have to make yourself stronger and only worry about the things you can handle. My goal was to be the starting quarterback when I came into the league, and never in the last five years have I doubted that.”

He wasn’t concerned about the naysayers — and there were many.

“I was not motivated by the fact they were bringing in someone, whether a draft pick or free agent,” he said. “In my mind, you are always competing against yourself. . . . Every day, I sought answers: How could I get better? What must I do to let everyone know I’m here and I’m the quarterback?”

Brees added that the past two years, he tried to determine where he was and what he needed to do to make the best effort, whether in diet or training preparation. There was a question about arm strength, so he worked on his shoulders and improved his balance.

About that possible Packers trade, he laughed: “That wouldn’t have been bad, playing backup to Brett Favre. He’s a great quarterback; I’ve always liked him.

“I didn’t go out to be the best football quarterback in the NFL,” he said. “I try to do the best I can and not let my teammates down. You have to believe in yourself and stay the course.”

He talked about the Chargers blend of talent, character and leadership that’s so vital in winning games.

“ When I came here, I don’t think San Diego knew how to utilize that 12th man,” he said. “But we’re gettin’ there. When the offense is on the field, I need to be able to talk to those guys. When the defense is on the field, be as loud as you can be.”

Discussing running back LaDainian Tomlinson, he said: “Given the space, he has the ability to take it to the house every time.”

His inspiration comes from more than football.

“I’ve always been a baseball guy, but when you grow up in Texas, you better play football,” he said. “I wear No. 9 in honor of my favorite baseball player, Ted Williams.