Drew Brees opens up about the Kansas City Chiefs' AFC West rivals' second-year quarterback

USA Today

2 days ago

This week, Chiefs Wire's Ed Easton Jr. spoke to New Orleans Saints legend Drew Brees about his partnership with Jimmy John's, creating his personalized sandwich, The Brees #9, which tied into the recent NOLA Pickle Fest, and his thoughts on his former head coach leading the Denver Broncos.
"This is our foundation event. The Brees Dream Foundation, established in 2003, helps improve the quality of life for cancer patients and provides care and education opportunities for children and families in need." said Brees, "We've been involved in New Orleans community now for 20 years, going back to the rebuilding efforts in 2006 post Katrina, rebuilding schools, parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, finding child care programs to now even taking on bigger projects like public private partnerships in and around affordable housing, building, health care facilities and underserved communities, 13 of them, to be exact. So we've been able to raise a committee over $55 million over the last 20 years, which has been remarkable. We've had so many great partners along the way. Jimmy John's is one of them. That's why these relationships are so meaningful."
Sean Payton coached Brees and the New Orleans Saints to victory in Super Bowl XLIV, which has helped turn the Broncos into a potential challenger in the AFC to the Kansas City Chiefs.
"I know Sean's excited about his team. Over the last few years, you've just seen how they've built it. I know that Sean wants to play great defense. He wants to run the football," said Brees, "People talk about what he did in the pass game. But really, those are the core principles if you play great. Defense and running the football set you up for success in many ways, but especially for a quarterback who's a quarterback's best friend when you have those two things operating at a high level."
The Broncos were led by rookie Bo Nix, who was effective against the Chiefs in two meetings and nearly completed a regular-season sweep. Brees spent time with the now-second-year quarterback during the offseason and left with high praise for his development.
"Bo (Nix) was impressive, and I had a chance to spend time with him. I think he's a really bright guy. He's got a ton of experience and maturity. He got his years, played a ton of college football, and had 61 starts or something. He's got a unique skill set, because he's an incredible athlete—a great track athlete in high school. You can see that when he runs and extends plays," said Brees. "Also, his ability to execute the short intermediate passing game and push the ball down the field is impressive. Got some big targets there in Denver. So I think they have high hopes and high expectations. They played in a tough division because the (Los Angeles) Chargers with (Jim) Harbaugh will be, ground and pound, great defense, and obviously, had a great year last year. Then, of course, the Chiefs, so they got their work cut out for them, but I know they have high expectations."
Fans can order The Brees #9, Drew's personal Jimmy John's go-to order, for the first time. Available for a limited time through August 31st, the order supports Jimmy John's Foundation, benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Brees Dream Foundation.