Editing Drew Brees (section)

===San Diego Chargers (2001–2005)===

====2001 NFL draft====
Brees's college success led to projections that he would be a mid–late first-round draft pick in the [[2001 NFL draft]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kiper Jr. |first=Mel |author-link=Mel Kiper Jr. |date=March 29, 2001 |title=Kiper's first-round draft projection |url=https://www.espn.com/melkiper/s/2001/0305/1130313.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316023734/http://www.espn.com/melkiper/s/2001/0305/1130313.html |archive-date=March 16, 2018 |access-date=May 15, 2022 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref> but he slipped due to concerns about his relatively short stature for a professional quarterback (6'0), a perceived lack of arm strength, and a sense that he had succeeded in college in a spread offense. Brees was the second quarterback selected in the 2001 NFL Draft behind [[Michael Vick]] of [[Virginia Tech Hokies football|Virginia Tech]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2001 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2001/draft.htm |access-date=May 26, 2022 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en |archive-date=October 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002220506/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2001/draft.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> He was chosen by the [[San Diego Chargers]] with the first pick of the second round with the 32nd overall pick.<ref name="AP2001">{{Cite magazine |date=April 21, 2001 |title=Trade works well as Chargers get Tomlinson, then Brees |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/2001/draft/news/2001/04/21/chargers_draft_ap |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010428081128/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/2001/draft/news/2001/04/21/chargers_draft_ap/ |archive-date=April 28, 2001 |access-date=January 19, 2010 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> San Diego originally had the first pick in that draft, but traded it to [[Atlanta Falcons|Atlanta]] (who drafted Vick) in return for the fifth pick of the first round with which San Diego drafted [[LaDainian Tomlinson]].<ref name="AP2001" />

====Early career====
{{See also|2001 San Diego Chargers season|2002 San Diego Chargers season|2003 San Diego Chargers season}}
In his rookie season, Brees was the backup quarterback to [[Doug Flutie]], who started all 16 games that season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2001 San Diego Chargers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2001.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715162636/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2001.htm |archive-date=July 15, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> Brees played in his first professional game on November 4, 2001, against the [[2001 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]] in Week 8. He came into the game to relieve Flutie, who had suffered a concussion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roesch |first=Wesley |date=October 20, 2016 |title=Throwback Thursday: Chiefs defeated Drew Brees in his 1st career game |url=https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/2016/10/20/throwback-thursday-chiefs-defeated-drew-brees-in-his-1st-career-game/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818194016/https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/2016/10/20/throwback-thursday-chiefs-defeated-drew-brees-in-his-1st-career-game/ |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=Chiefs Wire |publisher=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> He finished with 221 passing yards and his first career passing touchdown, a 20-yard pass to [[Freddie Jones (American football)|Freddie Jones]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – November 4th, 2001 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200111040sdg.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231051638/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200111040sdg.htm |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> The game against the Chiefs was Brees's lone appearance as a rookie.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drew Brees 2001 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2001 |access-date=May 30, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

On August 19, 2002, Brees was named the starter for the [[2002 NFL season|2002 season]] over Doug Flutie.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 19, 2002 |title=Brees named Chargers' starting QB |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/2002/08/19/Brees-named-Chargers-starting-QB/9221029729600/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217014338/https://www.upi.com/Archives/2002/08/19/Brees-named-Chargers-starting-QB/9221029729600/ |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |access-date=December 8, 2017 |website=[[United Press International]]}}</ref>  He started all 16 games for the Chargers. The season started off well for the Chargers with a 6–1 start, but faded down the stretch with a 2–7 record over the last nine games to finish 8–8.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 San Diego Chargers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2002.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715183936/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2002.htm |archive-date=July 15, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He finished the 2002 season with 3,284 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drew Brees 2002 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2002 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155349/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2002 |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

In Week 4 of the 2003 season, Brees recorded a 21-yard touchdown reception on a pass thrown by LaDainian Tomlinson in the 34–31 overtime loss to the [[2003 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 29, 2003 |title=OT Victory has Raiders on Upswing |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2003-09-29-0309290341-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829165906/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2003-09-29-0309290341-story.html |archive-date=August 29, 2019 |access-date=August 29, 2019 |website=[[Orlando Sentinel]]}}</ref> After a disappointing 1–7 start to the [[2003 NFL season|2003 season]], Brees was replaced by Flutie, though he regained the job by Week 15.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Triplett |first=Mike |date=November 20, 2015 |title=Drew Brees recalls game that saved his job, catapulted career |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-orleans-saints/post/_/id/19507 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820152108/https://www.espn.com/blog/new-orleans-saints/post/_/id/19507 |archive-date=August 20, 2019 |access-date=August 20, 2019 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2003 San Diego Chargers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2003.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715173924/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2003.htm |archive-date=July 15, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In 11 games, he finished with 2,108 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drew Brees 2003 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2003 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155410/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2003 |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

====2004 season====
{{See also|2004 San Diego Chargers season}}
Brees's career with the Chargers was in jeopardy after San Diego [[2004 NFL Draft#Notes|acquired]] [[North Carolina State Wolfpack football|NC State's]] [[Philip Rivers]] after the [[2004 NFL draft]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/draft.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181101231250/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/draft.htm |archive-date=November 1, 2018 |access-date=March 21, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> With a looming quarterback controversy, he performed well through training camp and the preseason, while Rivers held out during training camp, essentially guaranteeing Brees the job to begin the season with Rivers as his backup.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Engel |first=Mac |date=January 3, 2019 |title=Looking Back: When the Chargers had two MVP caliber quarterbacks on their roster |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/article223379285.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818194923/https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/article223379285.html |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=Fort Worth Star-Telegram}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sigler |first=John |date=December 26, 2019 |title=Drew Brees called Chargers' decision to pick new QB 'worst mistake ever' |url=https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2019/12/26/brian-schottenheimer-drew-brees-chargers-draft-philip-rivers/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314231042/https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2019/12/26/brian-schottenheimer-drew-brees-chargers-draft-philip-rivers/ |archive-date=March 14, 2021 |access-date=March 15, 2021 |website=Saints Wire|publisher=USA Today}}</ref>

Brees remained the starter throughout the [[2004 NFL season|2004 season]], where he started 15 games and led the team to a 12–4 regular season record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 San Diego Chargers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2004.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212233652/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2004.htm |archive-date=February 12, 2019 |access-date=February 13, 2019 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In Week 8, against the [[2004 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]], he was 22 of 25 for 281 yards and five touchdowns in the 42–14 victory to earn his first AFC Offensive Player of the Week honor.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – October 31st, 2004 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200410310sdg.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322081715/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200410310sdg.htm |archive-date=March 22, 2018 |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 NFL Week 8 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/week_8.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322142733/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/week_8.htm |archive-date=March 22, 2018 |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> Brees posted spectacular numbers, completing 65.5% of his passes for 3,159 yards, with 27 touchdowns to only seven interceptions, giving him a 104.8 [[passer rating]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drew Brees 2004 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2004 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155406/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2004 |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> The Chargers won the [[AFC West]] for the first time in ten seasons and Brees was selected to the [[2004 Pro Bowl]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Chargers Team Records, Leaders, and League Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/index.htm |access-date=May 30, 2024 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Acee |first=Kevin |date=January 7, 2005 |title=Once maligned, now divine |url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/chargers/20050107-9999-1s7chargers.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306111437/http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/chargers/20050107-9999-1s7chargers.html |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |website=[[San Diego Union-Tribune]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009132137/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2004/probowl.htm |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He was named 2004 [[NFL Comeback Player of the Year]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 6, 2005 |title=What a comeback: Brees runs away with award |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=1960406 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414044802/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=1960406 |archive-date=April 14, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> In the [[2004–05 NFL playoffs#AFC: New York Jets 20, San Diego Chargers 17 (OT)|Wild Card Round]] against the [[2004 New York Jets season|New York Jets]], Brees had 319 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and one interception in the 20–17 overtime loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - New York Jets at San Diego Chargers - January 8th, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200501080sdg.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223192517/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200501080sdg.htm |archive-date=December 23, 2018 |access-date=February 13, 2019 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

====2005 season====
{{See also|2005 San Diego Chargers season}}
Brees became a free agent after the 2004 season and was not expected to return to San Diego, which had already committed a large sum of money to Rivers. The team eventually designated Brees a [[franchise tag|franchise player]], giving him a one-year contract that quadrupled his pay to $8 million for 2005. Under the terms of the franchise player contract, Brees was eligible to be traded or to sign with another team, but the Chargers would receive two future first-round draft choices in return. He was not traded and continued as the starting quarterback for the remainder of the 2005 season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 4, 2005 |title=Signing's a Brees: Chargers QB back for 1 year |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2005239 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501163340/https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2005239 |archive-date=May 1, 2022 |access-date=May 1, 2022 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>

After a 1–2 start, Brees helped lead a 41–17 victory over the [[2005 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]]. He was 19 of 24 for 248 passing yards and two touchdowns and earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week for the effort.<ref>{{Cite web |title=San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots – October 2nd, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200510020nwe.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126071001/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200510020nwe.htm |archive-date=January 26, 2018 |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 NFL Week 4 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/week_4.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322081852/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/week_4.htm |archive-date=March 22, 2018 |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He posted a career-high in passing yards with 3,576. Brees also posted an 89.2 rating, 10th best in the NFL.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drew Brees 2005 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2005 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155400/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BreeDr00/gamelog/2005 |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 NFL Passing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/passing.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155345/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/passing.htm |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2017 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> However, in the last game of the 2005 season against the [[2005 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]], Brees tore his [[Glenoidal labrum|labrum]] while trying to pick up his own fumble after being hit by Broncos [[Safety (American football position)|safety]] [[John Lynch (American football)|John Lynch]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 2, 2006 |title=Brees suffers torn labrum, faces four-month rehab |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2278077 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109080639/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2278077 |archive-date=November 9, 2018 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=[[ESPN.com]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Denver tackle [[Gerard Warren]] hit Brees while he was on the ground, causing the injury.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vaccaro |first=Mike |date=February 2, 2010 |title=Brees, like New Orleans, had to start over |url=https://nypost.com/2010/02/02/brees-like-new-orleans-had-to-start-over/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818195330/https://nypost.com/2010/02/02/brees-like-new-orleans-had-to-start-over/ |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |website=New York Post}}</ref> Brees underwent [[arthroscopic surgery]], performed by [[James Andrews (physician)|Dr. James Andrews]], to repair the torn labrum in his right (throwing) shoulder on January 5, 2006.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Axson |first=Scooby |date=June 13, 2014 |title=Dr. James Andrews on Drew Brees: 'Most remarkable comeback that I've ever treated' |url=https://www.si.com/si-wire/2014/06/13/james-andrews-drew-brees-remarkable-comeback |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812150758/https://www.si.com/si-wire/2014/06/13/james-andrews-drew-brees-remarkable-comeback |archive-date=August 12, 2019 |access-date=August 18, 2019 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref> Subsequent reports mentioned additional partial [[rotator cuff]] damage and he also was treated by Dr. Saby Szajowitz to recover and regain muscle movement.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 25, 2011 |title=Drew Brees' profile – The American version |url=https://www.neworleanssaints.dk/drew-brees-the-american-version/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213123638/https://www.neworleanssaints.dk/drew-brees-the-american-version/ |archive-date=February 13, 2019 |access-date=February 13, 2019 |website=NewOrleansSaints.dk |language=da-DK}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Wally |date=May 14, 2014 |title=Saints quarterback has story worth hearing |url=https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2014/may/14/saints-quarterback-has-story-worth-hear/ |access-date=May 30, 2024 |website=Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette |language=en}}</ref>

After the season, the Chargers offered Brees a five-year, $50 million contract that paid $2 million in base salary the first year and the rest heavily based on performance incentives.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 15, 2016 |title=Drew Brees Contract History |url=https://whodatwarriors.com/2016/02/15/drew-brees-contract-history/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302054237/https://whodatwarriors.com/2016/02/15/drew-brees-contract-history/ |archive-date=March 2, 2016 |access-date=February 13, 2019 |website=Who Dat Warriors}}</ref>