Cradle Of Quarterbacks Website
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Drew Brees arrived at Purdue as a little-known quarterback.
He left as one of the most-decorated players in school and Big Ten history, establishing two NCAA records, 13 Big Ten Conference records and 19 Purdue records.
Perhaps his greatest stretch of games were the four in October of his senior year when he led his team to consecutive wins over Michigan, Northwestern, Wisconsin and Ohio State by throwing for 12 touchdowns and 1,255 yards, propelling Purdue to its first Rose Bowl in 34 years.
Brees became a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist, two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and two-time first team all-conference selection. He won the 2000 Maxwell Award as the nation's outstanding player and the Chicago Tribune Silver Football as the Big Ten MVP, while also being named Academic All-American of the Year.
He remains the Big Ten record-holder in virtually every passing category, including completions (1,026), yards (11,792) and touchdowns (90).
In the NFL, Brees has become one of the elite players at his position, first with the San Diego Chargers and now the New Orleans Saints. He is a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was named MVP of Super Bowl XLIV after leading the Saints to their first championship in franchise history.
Brees was inducted in the Purdue Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.
As he begins his 10th season in the NFL, Brees will be recognized in absentia for his collegiate efforts during Purdue's Sept. 11 home game vs. Western Illinois.
In recognition of its "Cradle of Quarterbacks" heritage and with help from thousands of on-line voters this spring, Purdue's Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, in conjunction with "Gold & Black Illustrated" and the Office of Trademark Licensing, has selected Purdue's top 12 quarterbacks of all-time from a list of 31 multiple-time starters.
A different quarterback will be highlighted each week during the 2010 season. Several will appear on campus during the fall and will be honored at President's Council pregame programs and during games.