Drew Brees shares emotional message following death of coach Marty Schottenheimer

The NFL world continues to grieve following the news that legendary coach Marty Schottenheimer has passed away at the age of 77. 

Tuesday was a tragic day across the NFL, as it was announced that legendary head coach Marty Schottenheimer passed away. He had been battling Alzheimer’s disease since being diagnosed in 2014.

As you might be able to imagine, countless NFL players and coaches have reached out to Schottenheimer’s family during this rough time. The long list includes quarterback Drew Brees, who developed a close bond with Schottenheimer while playing under him in San Diego with the Chargers. Brees let everyone know just how much his old coach meant to him on Instagram.

Drew Brees posted an emotional message on Instagram for coach Marty Schottenheimer

“The lessons and wisdom of Marty Schottenheimer will forever ring in my ears,” Brees wrote on his Instagram page. “He loved his players and he loved his family. I am so grateful and honored to have played for him. Rest In Peace Coach Marty!”

Brees spent the first five years of his career with San Diego (before the team moved to Los Angeles) before making the move to New Orleans. While with the Chargers, Brees threw for 12,348 yards and 80 touchdowns. Schottenheimer was his head coach with the Chargers from 2002-2005.

Schottenheimer would go on to spend one more season with the Chargers, leading the team to a 14-2 regular season record in 2006. Yet, the team still decided to part aways with him after that campaign.

For Brees, the four years he spent learning from Schottenheimer is truly something he won’t be forgetting in the near future. He most definitely made that clear with his Instagram post, as this is indeed a tough time for Brees and all of Schottenheimer’s former players.