Dr. James Andrews: Drew Brees had ‘most remarkable comeback that I’ve ever treated’
When then-San Diego Chargers quarterback Drew Brees tore the labrum in his right shoulder in 2005, many feared that his career as an NFL quarterback might be over.
More from New Orleans Saints
- Shocking reunion with Saints fan favorite finally made official after months of hints
- 3 Saints players who won’t be on the roster after training camp
- NFL Power Rankings: Who is the best quarterback in each division?
- Long-awaited Saints shoe drop is finally coming courtesy of Alvin Kamara
- Is Mark Ingram’s new CFB gig a signal that he’s retired from NFL?
Brees sought out the talents of famed orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, the surgeon to the athletic stars, and went under the knife to have the tear repaired.
The surgery was a success, and Brees, who had been shunned by the Chargers by this time, signed a 6-year, $60 million deal with the New Orleans Saints, and has gone on to become one of the league’s top quarterbacks with a Super Bowl victory under his belt.
Dr. Andrews, who performed the surgery just a week after Brees’ injury, is in awe of not only how well Brees recovered, but how he has continued to play at such a high level for so long. In an interview with Vox.com, Andrews said the following:
"“One case I do have permission to talk about is Drew Brees, who had the most remarkable comeback that I’ve ever treated.All expectations were that he had a career-ending shoulder injury. But he had such a good work ethic, and he so well taken care of by physical therapist Kevin Will, in Birmingham, who worked with him for a solid four months, that some way, some how, he got well. But I have to give him and the therapist all the credit, not me. He was an unbelievable comeback. And he’s still playing.”"
Yes, Brees is still playing and still making opposing defenses pay for every small mistake they make. Not only that, but Brees has stated that he intends to continue playing well into his 40s.