Though his shoulder may have relied on “tape and prayers,” his legacy is founded on unwavering determination.
In a jaw-dropping revelation, NFL legend
Drew Brees has opened up about the
grueling physical toll of his storied
career, admitting that his shoulder—
once thought to be fully recovered—has
been hanging on by a thread for years.
The former New Orleans Saints
quarterback, who overcame a potentially
career-ending shoulder injury in 2005,
shared startling details about the long-
term damage and the relentless pain he
endured just to stay on the field.
A Shoulder That Almost Ended His Career.
Brees’ struggles began in 2005 when he
suffered a devastating torn labrum and
rotator cuff damage while playing for the
San Diego Chargers. The injury was so
severe that many believed his career was
over. However, through relentless
rehabilitation and sheer determination,
Brees not only returned but thrived,
ultimately signing with the New Orleans
Saints in 2006. What followed was a
legendary career that included a Super
Bowl victory, multiple passing records,
and a legacy cemented as one of the
greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
But now, years after his retirement in
2021, Brees is finally pulling back the
curtain on just how much he endured to
keep playing at an elite level.
“It Was a Constant Battle”
In a recent interview, Brees admitted
that despite the medical reports claiming
his shoulder had fully healed, he was
constantly dealing with lingering pain
and instability.
**“Honestly, my shoulder’s been held
together with tape and prayers for
years,”** Brees said with a chuckle,
though his words carried a heavy truth.
**“People always ask me how I kept
playing, and I tell them—grit,
determination, and a whole lot of
treatment before and after every
game.”**
He explained that his daily routine
included intensive physical therapy,
hours of ice and heat treatments, and
carefully managed training regimens just
to keep his arm functional. The grueling
maintenance took its toll, both physically
and mentally.
A Testament to Perseverance.
Despite the challenges, Brees never let
his injury define him. He continued to
deliver jaw-dropping performances,
breaking record after record, including
becoming the all-time leader in passing
yards at one point. His resilience and
ability to perform at an elite level, even
while managing pain, solidified his place
as one of the toughest quarterbacks to
ever play the game.
His legendary Super Bowl XLIV victory
with the Saints in 2010 remains one of
the most iconic moments in NFL history,
proving that nothing—not even a career-
threatening injury—could stop him from
achieving greatness.
Life After Football: The Long-Term Effects.
Now, years into retirement, Brees
acknowledges the long-term effects of his
playing days. While he remains active
and in great shape, he admits that his
shoulder has never truly been the same.
**“I can still throw a football, but it’s not
what it used to be,”** he admitted.
**“There are days when it aches, and I
know I’ll probably deal with that for the
rest of my life.”**
Despite the pain, Brees has no regrets.
**“Football gave me everything. It taught
me perseverance, leadership, and how to
push through adversity. If I had to do it
all over again, I wouldn’t change a
thing.”**
A Legacy of Toughness and Inspiration.
Drew Brees’ revelation is yet another
testament to the sacrifices athletes make
in pursuit of greatness. His story serves
as an inspiration to players and fans
alike, proving that true greatness isn’t
just about talent—it’s about resilience,
heart, and the willingness to fight
through adversity.
While his shoulder may have been held
together by “tape and prayers,” his
legacy is built on unbreakable
determination.
