Congratulations to former San Diego Charger draft pick Drew Brees on the Hall of Fame.
Drew Brees is a legendary NFL player, a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and a former Charger. The Bolts drafted the all-time great 32nd overall in 2021, coming off a career as a Purdue Boilermaker.
Early speed bumps highlighted his days in San Diego. He had one full season and one season where he played one game as a rookie with a completion percentage under 60 before developing his trademark accuracy.
The 2004 season stands out as he put together a 104.8 passer rating, 27 touchdowns, and a 65.5 completion percentage, which was his best as a Charger. He got awarded comeback player of the year on the way to an AFC West title. The team won 12 games and lost 4, with Brees starting 11 of the wins. He also made the Pro Bowl for the first time, later becoming a Pro Bowl staple as a Saint.
He followed it up with his second-best season in San Diego, posting his highest passing yards on the Chargers, 24 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 89.2, which was second only to his comeback player of the year season.
While his time on the team was uneven, he went on to become the greatest New Orleans Saint of all time. His worst season in San Diego was 2003, when he threw for only 11 touchdowns versus 15 interceptions, a completion percentage under 60, and a passer rating of 67.5.
After a career-threatening shoulder tear in multiple places going into free agency, only the Saints and Dolphins pursued Brees, with New Orleans stealing the quarterback. Brees signed for 6 years, $60 million, with the Dolphins opting for Daunte Culpepper instead.
Brees immediately led the Saints to their first conference championship game upon signing, ultimately winning the Super Bowl in 2010.
He holds the NFL record for completions at 7142, is second in passing yards at over 80000, and second in passing touchdowns at 571. His passer rating was a weakness early in his career, but ended up being the 5th best all-time at 98.7. He finished fourth in QB wins at 172.
While Phillip Rivers replaced Brees on the Chargers and had his own remarkable career, the loss of Brees will go down as one of the biggest what-ifs in franchise history. During the week that he made the Hall of Fame, the Chargers can enjoy their part in his historic career.
Congratulations to Drew Brees, one of the greatest players ever drafted by the Chargers.