Drew Brees

Drew Breeswww.denverpost.comHeroes are needed everywhere. Our community carries many heroes but the traits of a hero are changed from time to time. Everyone has their own perception as a hero which causes differences. The true definition of heroism is to make change in others lives. They arise in times of difficulty and push through for the good of all. Physical traits do not define a hero, in fact the mental strength is key for success. If you put your mind towards something then you will accomplish it. A hero should shine a light on others to portray good and not bad. An example of a hero is Drew Brees, the quarterback of the New Orleans Saints. Drew Brees is and NFL quarterback for the saints who was born in Austin, Texas, on January 15, 1979. He helps children by a foundation called, “Brees Dream Foundation”. This provides opportunities for kids to thrive and live a life after Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc. He attended Westlake high school where he faced an ACL injury but persevered to get accepted into Purdue University. He was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, and also earned the Maxwell Award as the nation's best college player. Brees also helped Purdue win their first Big Ten title and Rose Bowl berth since 1967. He entered the draft and was picked up by the San Diego Chargers in 2001. A couple years later he had a severe shoulder injury. The chargers released him and when he recovered, Brees signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2006, and steered them to victory in Super Bowl XLIV. A hero must possess perseverance and kindness. Perseverance is pushing through even when everything is stuck against you. Kindness is helping others even if you are not called to do so. Drew Brees is more than a NFL Superstar, he is someone who perseveres through difficult situations, and he is also dedicated to helping people in need.

Drew Breestmz.comDrew Brees has an extra ability to persevere when he sets his mind to something. An example of his adversity was his career threatening shoulder injury. When he first was hurt everyone thought he was a bust, but later he came back to be stronger than ever. His great recovery lead the saints to a superbowl victory: When San Diego Chargers quarterback Drew Brees tore the labrum in his right shoulder in a 23-7 loss to the Denver Broncos on Dec. 31, 2005, many thought his career could be in jeopardy….Brees, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, signed a 6-year, $60 million deal with the New Orleans Saints in March 2006, and led the team to their first Super Bowl Championship four seasons later. (Student Resources In Context, “Drew Brees”) Despite constant obstacles being thrown at him by critics, he had to deal with family issues because his career was in jeopardy. He was a free agent with no job at the time which put stress on his family. Even when times were bad his strong will helped him overcome many problems even when they seemed out of hand. He proved to everyone that he was not normal and can achieve anything. Brees not only persevered through a shoulder injury that was a setback, but also fought through the negativity being thrown out on him. He faced many mental challenges during his recovery time even with many risks on the line that could take away his career: Not only had he failed to lead the San Diego Chargers to the playoffs, during the final game of the season he suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery and months of rehabilitation…. Brees led the surprising Saints to the playoffs in 2006 and again in the 2009-10 season, when they claimed Super Bowl XLIV over the Indianapolis Colts. (Biography.com) Even though critics and fans thought his career was over, he persevered and made a great recovery. He trained harder everyday to overcome his injury and come out on the top. He left everyone speechless when he carried the Saints four years later to win their first super bowl. He did not let discouragement and fear get in his way of achieving his dream. He displayed great character to everyone around him. People took great notice of his strength to conquer his injury. Like a hero he showed that anything can be done no matter how many people told him he couldn’t. Drew brees an inspirational person who showed people that even in tough times you persevere even when times are hard.

Drew Breeshttp://www.theadvocate.comEven though Drew Brees has won many awards and is a superstar in the NFL, he has a soft spot in his heart for children. An example of his kindness is an organization he created called “The Brees Foundation”: The Brees Dream Foundation, is aimed to fight cancer and help children in need. “Brees has been a leader in the city's recovery off the field as well, with his Brees Dream Foundation contributing millions of dollars to programs that benefit schools, children, housing, and other worthy causes in New Orleans” (Student Resources In Context, “Drew Brees”). Despite being a leader on the field with his team, he shows his leadership off the field to New Orleans. People look up to him for his efforts off the field and on the field. He demonstrates how to balance his time with others and himself. His actions show that he his selfless. He is an inspiration to people from kids and adults. His acts of kindness dwells on people for them to practice in their own life. He is a role model for others even though he has no superpowers. His character traits substitute for superpowers. Also his selflessness is shown in his organization. He is known for his leadership and kindness off the field: The Brees Dream Foundation was founded in 2003 with a mission to advance research in the fight against Cancer and provide care, education and opportunities for children and families in need.  Since its establishment, the nonprofit foundation has raised more than $20 million for its work. (Student Resources In Context, "Five-tool player") Even being a superstar in the NFL, he wants to help children fight against cancer and provide care, education and opportunities for children and families in need. He shows great kindness to the children. He could blow them off and be greedy with his money but he chooses to use it for others. Drew Brees inspires others because he is a superstar on the field but most people overlook what he does off the field. He helps kids with his organization so they can have toys and an environment to have fun in after the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. Even being a superstar in the NFL, he still makes time to help kids and benefit others.  He creates opportunity for them to succeed. Brees shows great kindness to all people no matter the circumstances. His foundation has showed great help for people in need in New Orleans.

Throughout his life Drew Brees has shown he is a true hero. He shows that even in the darkest of times perseverance is key to push through. He is also very kind and demonstrates his acts with the “Brees Foundation.” Brees is an inspiration because he fought through many challenges and others take it to heart. He also displays great character off the field, which can define Brees as a hero. People take a look at him and think he is too short and not athletic but he proves people wrong and shows others they can do it. Drew Brees inspires others because he is a superstar on the field but most people overlook what he does off the field. He helps kids with his organization so they can have toys and an environment to have fun in after the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina.  Drew Brees has outworked and out hustled many competitors on the field. His work ethic and game mentality is something that everyone strives for. Drew brees shows his true character off the field when he helps families in need. He provides care and comfort for all. He spreads his wealth and others look up to him for his great deeds. He is a great model and others inspire to be him. That is what a hero must possess to be an inspiration for others. Heroes take the bumpy road instead of the smooth road. Heroes must be leaders and come out on top instead of following others in the easy direction. They create their own path in which others can look up to for guidance.

Works Cited

Bishop, Greg. "Five-tool player." New York Times, 6 Feb. 2010, p. D1(L). Student Resources In Context, https://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A218356912/SUIC?u=powa9245&sid=SUIC&xid=662b6d95. Accessed 29 Mar. 2018.

"Drew And Brittany Brees Talk About Their Food Allergies And Raise Money for The Brees Dream Foundation." PR Newswire, 3 May 2012. Student Resources In Context,  https://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A290326985/SUIC?u=powa9245&sid=SUIC&xid=08b2eda0. Accessed 29 Mar. 2018.

“Drew Brees.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 31 Dec. 2014, www.biography.com/people/drew-brees-20950559.

"Drew Brees." Newsmakers, vol. 2, Gale, 2010. Student Resources In Context, https://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/K1618005255/SUIC?u=powa9245&sid=SUIC&xid=9133e037. Accessed 29 Mar. 2018.

Fabry, Chris Fabry. Coming Back Stronger: Unleashing the Hidden Power of Adversity, Tyndale  House, 2010.