Drew Brees Net Worth and Career Earnings: Financial Overview 2024

Drew Brees, a legendary NFL quarterback, has amassed significant wealth throughout his career. In this article, we’ll dive into his net worth, earnings, and financial journey in 2024. Discover how he compares to other NFL greats.

Drew Brees Quick Facts

What is the Net Worth Of Drew Brees in 2024?

Drew Brees estimated net worth in 2024 stands at $160 million. This places him among the Richest NFL Players ranks, showcasing his lucrative career. Here’s how he compares to other notable figures:

• Eli Manning
• Joe Montana
• Matthew Stafford
• Russell Wilson

What are Drew Brees’s salary and contracts?

Salary

Legendary quarterback Drew Brees has left an indelible mark on the NFL with an impressive 20-season career.

His financial legacy is equally remarkable, with career earnings totaling $273,933,000. This figure underscores his skill on the field and the significant value he brought to his teams, particularly the New Orleans Saints.

Brees enjoyed a career average annual salary (APY) of $13,696,650, reflecting his elite league status.

A notable highlight of his financial achievements is the $40,000,000 cash payment he received in 2012, which showcases the trust and investment the Saints placed in him during his prime.

Additionally, he recorded a large cap amount of $24,000,000 in 2018, illustrating how critical he was to the team’s salary structure.

His earnings by team reveal that during his five years with the San Diego Chargers, Brees earned $14,683,000, averaging approximately $2,936,600 annually.

However, during his 15 seasons with the Saints, he flourished, amassing $259,250,000 and an annual average of $17,283,333.

This staggering total accounts for 95% of his career earnings, emphasizing Brees’s profound impact on New Orleans.

Throughout his career, Brees consistently demonstrated his value with substantial performance bonuses and guaranteed salaries.

For instance, in 2009, he earned a base salary of $4,800,000 and a prorated bonus of $5,660,400, contributing to a significant cap percentage of 8.7%. Brees’ financial journey also includes notable dead money charges, with  $23,265,000 across his tenure.

Contracts

Legendary quarterback Drew Brees’s illustrious career is marked by a series of significant contracts that reflect his value in the NFL.

His contract history showcases his player evolution and financial success across different teams.

Brees was initially drafted by the San Diego Chargers in 2001, signing a four-year deal worth $3,605,000, with an average annual value (APY) of $901,250.

After his tenure with the Chargers, he signed a franchise tag in 2005 for $8,078,000, demonstrating his rising status in the league.

In 2006, Brees joined the New Orleans Saints as a free agent, inking a monumental five-year contract valued at $60,000,000, representing an APY of $10,000,000.

This decision would prove pivotal as he transformed the Saints into a competitive team. His next contract in 2012, a five-year extension worth $100,000,000 with a staggering $20,000,000 APY further solidified his legacy.

Brees continued to earn impressive contracts, including an extension in 2016 for $24,250,000 and another two-year deal 2018 worth $50,000,000, highlighting his sustained performance and importance to the Saints.

His final contract in 2020, also valued at $50,000,000, marked the end of an era while showcasing the immense respect he garnered throughout his career.

Overall, Brees earned a total of $44,250,000 from extensions and contracts with the Saints alone, achieving an impressive 182.5% on certain deals—a testament to his remarkable career and contributions to the game.

Overview of Drew Brees

Drew Christopher Brees, born on January 15, 1979, is a legendary former football quarterback who left an indelible mark on the National Football League (NFL) over his 20-season career.

Brees, who played primarily with the New Orleans Saints, ranks second all-time in several key categories, including career passing yards, touchdown passes, and completion percentage.

He shattered Johnny Unitas’ long-standing record for consecutive games with a touchdown pass, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever.

Brees began his collegiate journey at Purdue University, setting multiple Big Ten Conference records for completions, attempts, and yards.

Despite doubts regarding his height and arm strength, he was drafted in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers.

After initial struggles, Brees had a breakout season 2004, earning Pro Bowl honors. Following a severe injury in 2005, he signed with the Saints, transforming a struggling franchise with only seven winning seasons in 39 years.

Under his leadership, from 2006 to 2020, the Saints achieved nine playoff appearances, culminating in a victory at Super Bowl XLIV, where Brees was named MVP. He retired after the 2020 season and later took on roles as an analyst and coach at Purdue.

Early life

Drew Brees, born on January 15, 1979, in Dallas, Texas, is the son of prominent attorneys Eugene Wilson “Chip” Brees II and Mina Ruth.

Following his parents’ divorce at age seven, Brees and his younger brother Reid developed a strong bond during a challenging childhood.

Raised in a family with deep athletic roots—his father played basketball at Texas A&M, while his mother excelled in multiple sports—Brees was influenced by his family’s sporting legacy.

After moving to Austin, he initially focused on flag football before establishing himself as a star athlete at Austin Westlake High School.

Despite an ACL tear, he rebounded to become the Texas High School 5A Most Valuable Offensive Player in 1996, leading his team to a perfect 16–0 record and a state championship.

Over two seasons, Brees achieved impressive stats, completing 314 of 490 passes for 5,461 yards and 50 touchdowns. His performance earned him honorable mentions on the state high school all-star and USA Today All-USA teams, although major colleges did not heavily recruit him.

Brees aspired to play for the Texas Longhorns or Texas A&M Aggies, but his remarkable high school career went largely unnoticed by top recruiters.

College career

Drew Brees, who graduated from Purdue University in 2001 with a degree in industrial management, significantly impacted college football.

Under the guidance of head coach Joe Tiller, Brees became the heart of Purdue’s innovative “basketball on grass” spread offense, serving as offensive captain during his junior and senior years.

In the 1998 season, he tied an NCAA single-game record with 55 completions and set a record with 83 pass attempts in a game against Wisconsin, finishing with 494 yards, two touchdowns, and four interceptions.

Brees opted to return for his senior year instead of entering the 2000 NFL Draft, leading Purdue to its first Big Ten championship since 1967.

His performance, including a memorable upset against top-ranked Ohio State, solidified his legacy. Brees won numerous accolades, including the Maxwell Award in 2000 and was a finalist for the Davey O’Brien Award.

He set two NCAA records, 13 Big Ten records, and 19 Purdue records, leaving Purdue with impressive stats: 11,792 passing yards and 90 touchdown passes.

His contributions were recognized with his induction into Purdue’s Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.

Professional career

From 2001 to 2005, Drew Brees played for the San Diego Chargers, showcasing his evolution as a quarterback.

Drafted in the 2001 NFL Draft as the 32nd overall pick, Brees began his career as Doug Flutie’s backup. His first appearance came in November 2001, when he threw for 221 yards and his inaugural touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Brees was named the starter in the 2002 season. He concluded the year with 3,284 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions despite a disappointing 8–8 record.

The 2004 season marked a turning point; he led the Chargers to a 12–4 record, throwing for 3,159 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions. He earned a 104.8 passer rating and a spot in the Pro Bowl.

His performance earned him the 2004 NFL Comeback Player of the Year title.

In the 2005 NFL season, Drew Brees faced uncertainty as a free agent after the previous season.

The San Diego Chargers designated him a franchise player, significantly boosting his yearly salary to $8 million. Despite a rocky 1–2 start, Brees led the Chargers to a stunning 41–17 victory over the New England Patriots, throwing for 248 yards and two touchdowns, earning him the AFC Offensive Player of the Week honor.

He achieved a career-high of 3,576 passing yards and finished with an 89.2 passer rating, ranking 10th in the league.

Tragedy struck in the last game against the Denver Broncos, where Brees suffered a torn labrum after a hit from John Lynch.

He underwent surgery on January 5, 2006, to repair his shoulder. Following this injury, the Chargers proposed a five-year, $50 million contract with a modest initial salary and performance incentives.

However, after the Chargers refused to negotiate further, Brees attracted interest from teams like the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins.

Ultimately, he signed a six-year, $60 million deal with the Saints, which included $10 million guaranteed in the first year. This decision would prove pivotal for both Brees and the Saints, setting the stage for future success.

In the 2006 NFL season, Drew Brees made a significant impact in his first year with the New Orleans Saints, leading the team to a 10–6 record and securing the NFC South division title.

Under head coach Sean Payton, the Saints rebounded from a challenging 3–13 season in 2005. Brees showcased his talent by throwing for a franchise-record 4,418 passing yards, finishing third in the league with 26 touchdown passes and earning a 96.2 passer rating.

His performance included a standout game in which he gained 510 passing yards against the Cincinnati Bengals, the sixth-highest in NFL history at that time.

Brees’s efforts earned him a spot as the starting quarterback for the 2007 Pro Bowl and recognition as a First-team All-Pro.

Additionally, he was named the first runner-up for the MVP award, highlighting his elite status in the league.

Despite a rocky start in 2007, when the team went 0–4, Brees bounced back, throwing for 4,423 yards and tying his franchise record with 28 touchdowns.

Unfortunately, the Saints missed the playoffs with a 7–9 record that year. Brees’s performances during these seasons solidified his reputation as one of the league’s top quarterbacks, paving the way for future success.

In the 2008 NFL season, Drew Brees showcased an impressive performance, finishing just 15 yards shy of Dan Marino’s record for passing yards in a single season, with 5,069 yards.

This achievement made him the second quarterback in NFL history to surpass the 5,000-yard mark in a season. Brees recorded ten games with over 300 passing yards, tying Rich Gannon’s 2002 record.

His remarkable season earned him accolades, including A.P. 2008 Offensive Player of the Year and a third consecutive Pro Bowl selection.

Despite missing the playoffs, Brees’s leadership remained evident as he served on the executive committee of the NFL Players Association during this time.

The following year, the 2009 season proved monumental as Brees led the New Orleans Saints to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance.

He completed 32 passes in Super Bowl XLIV, contributing to a 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts and earning the Super Bowl MVP Award. His performance throughout the season solidified his status as an elite quarterback and highlighted his ability to lead and inspire his team to success.

In the 2010 season, Drew Brees showcased his resilience despite a challenging year, leading the New Orleans Saints to an 11–5 record and a playoff berth.

He threw for 4,620 yards and 33 touchdowns, but his season was marred by a career-high 22 interceptions, tying the franchise record.

The Saints’ playoff run ended in a stunning 41–36 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild Card Round, where Brees posted 404 passing yards and two touchdowns.

The following year, 2011, marked a historic chapter in Brees’s career. He led the NFL in completion percentage, passing yards, and touchdowns, achieving the rare “Triple Crown.”

Brees shattered Dan Marino’s long-standing record by throwing for 5,476 yards with a record-setting performance against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16. His incredible consistency earned him his sixth Pro Bowl selection and recognition as the second-best player in the NFL by his peers.

In the 2012 NFL season, Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints faced significant challenges, including the suspension of head coach Sean Payton due to the Bountygate scandal.

Despite starting the season with a 0–4 record, Brees showcased his resilience, notably breaking Johnny Unitas’s long-standing record for consecutive games with a touchdown pass.

He ended the season with 5,177 passing yards and 43 touchdowns, despite the team’s struggles, as they recorded a 7–9 finish and missed the playoffs.

Brees’s performance earned him a spot in the 2013 Pro Bowl, marking his seventh selection, as he became an injury replacement for Robert Griffin III.

The five-year, $100 million contract he signed before the season included a historic $60 million in guaranteed money; $40 million of the contract was paid the first year.

In the 2013 season, Brees and the Saints rebounded with a 5–0 start, and he achieved multiple accolades, including being the fastest player to reach 50,000 career passing yards.

Ultimately, Brees finished another impressive season, leading to an 11–5 record for the Saints and continuing to solidify his legacy as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.

In the 2014 NFL season, Drew Brees faced significant challenges, leading the New Orleans Saints to a disappointing 7–9 record and missing the playoffs.

The season began with frustrating losses, including a 37–34 overtime defeat against the Atlanta Falcons.

Despite these setbacks, Brees achieved notable milestones: he became the NFL’s all-time leader in completion percentage (66.21%). He reached 4,952 passing yards, tying with Ben Roethlisberger for the league’s passing yard lead.

His performance included a standout game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he threw for five touchdowns, earning him NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.

The following year, in 2015, Brees started with a 0–3 record but rallied to secure a 7–9 finish again. He reached pivotal career milestones, including 400 touchdown passes, and was recognized for his second 500-yard passing game against the New York Giants. In 2016, he led the league with 5,208 passing yards, marking his fifth season with over 5,000 yards, despite another 7–9 season.

By 2017, Brees helped the Saints return to the playoffs with an 11–5 record, showcasing his resilience and skill throughout his illustrious career.

During the 2018 NFL season, Drew Brees solidified his legacy with remarkable performances for the New Orleans Saints.

On March 13, 2018, he signed a two-year, $50 million contract extension with $27 million guaranteed. In Week 1, despite throwing for over 400 yards, the Saints fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

However, Brees soon made headlines by breaking Brett Favre’s record for career pass completions. He later surpassed Peyton Manning for the all-time passing yardage record with a 62-yard touchdown pass in a victory over the Washington Redskins.

Brees finished the season with 364 completions, 3,992 passing yards, and 32 touchdowns, setting an NFL record for completion percentage at 74.4%.

He led the Saints to an impressive comeback win against the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs. Still, they were narrowly defeated by the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship due to a controversial call.

Brees became the first player in NFL history to throw touchdown passes to 15 different players in a single season and finished as the runner-up for MVP behind Patrick Mahomes. His peers also ranked him as the second-best player on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019.

Drew Brees had a remarkable 2019 season, showcasing his resilience and skill. After starting strong against the Houston Texans, throwing for 370 yards and two touchdowns, Brees faced adversity when he suffered a torn ligament in his right thumb in Week 2, sidelining him for six to eight weeks.

He made a triumphant return in Week 8 against the Arizona Cardinals, passing for 373 yards and three touchdowns.

Brees achieved a historic milestone in Week 15 by breaking Peyton Manning’s record for most career touchdowns, throwing his 540th touchdown pass during a victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

He finished the season with 2,979 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and only four interceptions, boasting a 74.34% completion rate.

In the Wild Card Round, the Saints lost to the Minnesota Vikings in overtime despite Brees’ valiant effort. His performance earned him a 13th Pro Bowl nomination and a 12th-place ranking on the NFL’s Top 100 Players of 2020 list.

In the 2020 NFL season, Drew Brees signed a two-year, $50 million contract extension with the New Orleans Saints on March 17, 2020. He started the season strong, leading the Saints to a 34–23 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, breaking Brett Favre’s record for most career pass attempts.

The Saints went on a 5–2 run, culminating in another win against Brady’s Buccaneers, where Brees threw for 222 yards and four touchdowns in a 38–3 victory.

However, the season took a turn when Brees suffered a rib injury and collapsed lung during a game against the San Francisco 49ers on November 15, 2020, leading to his placement on injured reserve.

After missing four games, he returned on December 19, throwing for 234 yards and three touchdowns against the Kansas City Chiefs, surpassing Anthony Calvillo for the most career passing yards in professional outdoor football.

He became the first quarterback on Christmas Day to achieve 80,000 career passing yards. The Saints ended the regular season with a 12–4 record. In the playoffs, Brees led a 21–9 win over the Chicago Bears but fell to the Buccaneers in the Divisional Round.

On February 6, 2021, the Saints renegotiated Drew Brees’ contract, lowering his salary to $1.075 million to create salary cap flexibility.

On March 14, 2021, coinciding with the 15th anniversary of his first contract with New Orleans, Brees announced his retirement after twenty seasons. The Saints subsequently placed him on the reserve/retired list on June 11, 2021.

Career awards and records

Drew Brees, a legendary figure in the world of football, boasts an impressive array of career awards and records that underscore his remarkable contributions to the sport. He achieved Super Bowl champion status in Super Bowl XLIV and earned the title of Super Bowl MVP. Brees guided his team to the NFC championship in 2009 and was selected for the Pro Bowl 13 times throughout his career.

Among his accolades, he was recognized as the NFL Offensive Player of the Year twice (in 2008 and 2011) and earned the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award in 2006. Brees was also honored as Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year in 2010, showcasing his impact on and off the field.

Brees holds numerous records in the National Football League, including the record for the most consecutive games with a touchdown pass, 54, and the best pass completion percentage in a single season, 74.4%, achieved in 2018. He led the league in passing yards for seven seasons, a testament to his consistency and skill.

Within the New Orleans Saints franchise, Brees set multiple records: He is the all-time leader in passing yards with 68,010 and the record for passing touchdowns with 491. His performance in 2011 was particularly remarkable, as he recorded the most passing yards in a single season with 5,476 and threw 46 touchdowns.

Personal life

Drew Brees, a renowned former NFL quarterback, married his college sweetheart Brittany Dudchenko in February 2003, and together they have four children: three sons born in January 2009, October 2010, and August 2012, and a daughter born in August 2014.

After moving to New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina, Brees fell in love with the city’s culture and has since prioritized faith, family, football, and philanthropy. A committed Baptist, he faced personal challenges, including a strained relationship with his mother, who tragically passed away in 2009.

Brees authored his first book, “Coming Back Stronger,” which became a New York Times bestseller. His achievements extend beyond the field; he owns stakes in restaurant franchises and served as a spokesperson for AdvoCare International. He was voted the cover athlete for E.A. Sports Madden NFL 11.

In a controversial moment during the George Floyd protests, Brees faced backlash for remarks on kneeling during the national anthem but later issued an apology.

Despite ongoing health issues from past injuries, including an inability to lift his right arm above his shoulder, Brees remains respected in sports and philanthropy.

Charity and volunteer activities

Drew Brees, a celebrated quarterback, is recognized for his outstanding athletic achievements and significant contributions to the community.

In 2010, Sports Illustrated honored him as Sportsman of the Year, praising his leadership in securing the New Orleans Saints’ first Super Bowl title and his pivotal role in the city’s recovery following Hurricane Katrina. Brees’ choice to reside in New Orleans rather than the suburbs further endeared him to fans.

Brees and his wife, Brittany, established the Brees Dream Foundation in 2003 to support cancer patients and research after Brittany’s aunt succumbed to the disease. The foundation has since expanded its mission to assist with Hurricane Katrina rebuilding projects, providing over $35 million in charitable donations globally.

Notably, in July 2020, they pledged $5 million to build healthcare centers throughout Louisiana in partnership with Ochsner Health System.

The foundation’s initiatives include collaborating with Operation Kids to rebuild academic and athletic facilities in New Orleans and the Rebuilding Through Brotherhood program, which engages Sigma Chi members in Habitat for Humanity projects.

Furthermore, the Brees Dream Foundation has launched the BuildStrong Academy, aimed at enhancing skills in the construction industry.

Brees has also engaged in various charitable activities beyond the foundation. He has participated in USO tours, including a visit to Guantanamo Bay, where he remarked on the treatment of detainees compared to U.S. prisoners. In 2008, he promoted a new line of hamburgers for Chili’s Grill & Bar, raising charity funds, and was active in the Pro Sports Team Challenge.

In June 2010, President Obama appointed Drew Brees as co-chair of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition alongside Dominique Dawes. In October 2010, Brees participated in an It Gets Better video, delivering a powerful anti-bullying message following tragic suicides among gay teenagers.

A legal dispute arose in April 2018 when Brees filed a lawsuit against a San Diego jeweler, alleging he was misled about the value of $15 million in diamonds, resulting in a $6 million award in June 2019. On June 21, 2019, Brees was awarded $6 million in the lawsuit. In March 2019, he also collaborated with Brandon Landry to launch a new restaurant.

Real Estate

In 2003, NFL quarterback Drew Brees and his wife made a significant investment, purchasing a 6,000-square-foot property near Carmel Valley, California, for $2.2 million.

The luxurious home featured a 6-car garage and a pool, catering to their lifestyle. By 2012, they sold the property for a modest profit, finalizing the sale at $2.4 million.

Brees continued to expand his real estate portfolio, acquiring a property in New Orleans in 2006 for $1.575 million. This purchase was pivotal as it marked his commitment to the city post-Hurricane Katrina, showcasing his dedication to the community.

In 2019, he made headlines again by acquiring a property in Lafayette, where he constructed an impressive 49,000-square-foot facility named Surge Entertainment. This state-of-the-art venue is designed to revolutionize family entertainment and sports, reflecting Brees’ vision for community engagement and innovation.

Conclusion

Drew Brees has built a financial empire through his NFL career, endorsements, and investments. To learn more about his financial journey, visit NFL Player Fortune. We encourage readers to leave comments, share this article, or explore more content on our website.