Interview Only: New Orleans' Super Bowl Hero, QB Drew Brees

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Stephen A. Smith Show – Interview Only: New Orleans' Super Bowl Hero, QB Drew Brees

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith sits down with Drew Brees, the legendary former quarterback of the New Orleans Saints. Released on February 8, 2025, the interview delves deep into Brees' illustrious career, his impact on New Orleans post-Katrina, his perspectives on the evolving quarterback role in the NFL, and his current endeavors off the field.

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1. Life After Football

Balancing Family and Business

Drew Brees opens up about his life post-retirement, emphasizing the joy he finds in spending time with his wife, Brittany, and their four children. He is actively involved in coaching his sons' diverse sports activities, from tackle football to gymnastics.

Drew Brees [01:34]: "Honestly, just being dad is the greatest thing in the world."

Beyond family, Brees remains busy with various business ventures and maintains a strong connection to New Orleans, showcasing his commitment to the city that embraced him.

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2. Reflecting on a Stellar Career

Comfort in Retirement

When asked about his decision to retire after the 2020 season, Brees reflects on the challenges of leaving a sport that has been central to his life for over two decades. He acknowledges the difficulty of stepping away but feels physically capable, albeit mindful of lingering shoulder issues.

Drew Brees [02:00]: "I retired at age 42. I still feel great. If I could still throw, I'd probably still be playing."

Career Achievements and Growth

Brees highlights his relentless pursuit of improvement throughout his 20-season career, maintaining a 67.7% completion rate and exceeding 70% in his final five years. He attributes his success to continuous self-assessment, mentorship, and a focus on efficiency and decision-making.

Drew Brees [03:39]: "Every year it was, I was getting better."

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3. The Evolving Quarterback Role

Traditional vs. Modern QBs

Stephen A. Smith brings up the transition in the quarterback role from pass-heavy legends like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning to more versatile players like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, and Patrick Mahomes, who incorporate significant rushing abilities.

Stephen A. Smith [04:51]: "We see guys like that. Jalen Hurts. What he's expected to do in this, he can run with the football."

Brees' Perspective on the Evolution

Brees acknowledges the changes, attributing them to offensive strategies that emphasize multi-threat quarterbacks. He appreciates the adaptability but also underscores the enduring importance of strong passing fundamentals.

Drew Brees [05:34]: "Just think it's the evolution of the game and now these quarterbacks have evolved with it."

Appreciation for Traditional QBs

Brees advocates for the appreciation of traditional pass-first quarterbacks, emphasizing the critical role they play in managing the game and executing precise plays under pressure.

Drew Brees [07:03]: "At least a few times in a game, you're gonna have to just drop back, stand in the pocket... deliver that ball strike down the field."

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4. Current NFL Landscape and Player Comparisons

Evaluating Modern Quarterbacks

Brees commends current quarterbacks who exhibit strong passing abilities akin to his own, notably Joe Burrow and C.J. Stroud. He highlights Burrow's intelligence and adaptability, as well as Stroud's poise and leadership.

Drew Brees [08:20]: "The first guy that comes to mind is Joe Burrow... Look, his O line struggled and he was forced to move... he has the awareness to step up and escape."

Super Bowl Matchup Insights

Discussing the upcoming Super Bowl, Brees shares his thoughts on the Philadelphia Eagles versus the Kansas City Chiefs. He expresses confidence in the Eagles' defensive strategies and Jalen Hurts' leadership, suggesting that Philadelphia has more at stake and the potential to overcome the Chiefs' prowess.

Drew Brees [12:05]: "Philly has more to lose in this game... They built this roster. Unbelievable."

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5. Thoughts on Coaching Legends

Andy Reid vs. Bill Belichick

When comparing coaches Andy Reid and Bill Belichick, Brees acknowledges Reid's brilliance and adaptability, citing his success with multiple teams. While recognizing Belichick's unparalleled achievements, Brees places Reid in the conversation as a deserving figure in coaching excellence.

Drew Brees [14:23]: "There's a brilliance to that that should be honored and appreciated... Andy Reid is certainly in that, in that category."

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6. Super Bowl 44 and Its Impact on New Orleans

A City Transformed

Brees reminisces about Super Bowl 44 and its profound impact on New Orleans, highlighting the unity and joy it brought to a city recovering from Hurricane Katrina and other tragedies. He reflects on the Saints' role in revitalizing community spirit and providing hope.

Drew Brees [15:24]: "It was like getting on that super bowl float... People smiles like tears of joy. So happy."

Personal Gratitude and Responsibility

Brees expresses deep gratitude for the opportunity to be part of something special in New Orleans, emphasizing the sense of responsibility he feels towards the city and its people. He aims to continue fostering positive perceptions of New Orleans both locally and globally.

Drew Brees [18:02]: "I feel a great sense of responsibility... I want people to talk great about New Orleans."

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7. Collaborations and Current Projects

Everyone's Wingman Campaign

Brees discusses his collaboration with Rob Gronkowski for the Everyone's Wingman campaign, showcasing their camaraderie and shared experiences in New Orleans. This partnership underscores Brees' continued involvement in community and promotional activities.

Drew Brees [18:54]: "We've been running around Radio Row having a good time."

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8. Conclusion

The interview concludes with light-hearted moments as Stephen A. Smith and Drew Brees engage in playful banter about pizza toppings, highlighting the relaxed and friendly dynamic between the two sports icons. Brees reiterates his enduring connection to the game and his unwavering support for New Orleans.

Drew Brees [20:18]: "Great to see you."

Stephen A. Smith [20:19]: "No doubt. The one and only Drew Brees in the house right here on the Stephen A. Smith show."

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Drew Brees [01:34]: "Honestly, just being dad is the greatest thing in the world."
• Drew Brees [02:00]: "I retired at age 42. I still feel great. If I could still throw, I'd probably still be playing."
• Drew Brees [03:39]: "Every year it was, I was getting better."
• Stephen A. Smith [04:51]: "We see guys like that. Jalen Hurts. What he's expected to do in this, he can run with the football."
• Drew Brees [05:34]: "Just think it's the evolution of the game and now these quarterbacks have evolved with it."
• Drew Brees [07:03]: "At least a few times in a game, you're gonna have to just drop back, stand in the pocket... deliver that ball strike down the field."
• Drew Brees [08:20]: "The first guy that comes to mind is Joe Burrow... Look, his O line struggled and he was forced to move... he has the awareness to step up and escape."
• Drew Brees [12:05]: "Philly has more to lose in this game... They built this roster. Unbelievable."
• Drew Brees [14:23]: "There's a brilliance to that that should be honored and appreciated... Andy Reid is certainly in that, in that category."
• Drew Brees [15:24]: "It was like getting on that super bowl float... People smiles like tears of joy. So happy."
• Drew Brees [18:02]: "I feel a great sense of responsibility... I want people to talk great about New Orleans."

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Final Thoughts

This episode offers a comprehensive look into Drew Brees' life beyond the gridiron, his reflections on an outstanding career, and his insights into the modern dynamics of the NFL. Brees' heartfelt stories about New Orleans and his ongoing contributions to the community underscore his legacy as not just a sports icon but also a beloved figure in the hearts of many.

Transcript

[Drew Brees]

Are you still quoting 30 year old movies? Have you said cool beans in the past 90 days? Do you think Discover isn't widely accepted? If this sounds like you, you're stuck in the past. Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide and every time you make a purchase with your card, you automatically earn cash back. Welcome to the now it pays to Discover. Learn [e-mail] credit card based on the February 2024 Nielsen report.

[Greg Rosenthal]

What's up everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101, free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Stephen A. Smith]

My next guest was selected to 13 Pro Bowls, led the league in passing yards seven times, and of course was named MVP of Super Bowl 44 in 20,000 in 2010. I'm talking about the former quarterback for the New Orleans Saints. One of the greatest quarterbacks we have ever seen in a lifetime, threw for over 80,000 yards in his career. The one and only Drew Brees. What's going on? Big time. How you been, man? It's been a while.

[Drew Brees]

Stephen. Hey, man, great to see you.

[Stephen A. Smith]

It's good to see you.

[Drew Brees]

Love being with you.

[Stephen A. Smith]

What you been up to, man? I mean, how is life? That's the first order of business.

[Drew Brees]

Life's great. A lot of time with my wife, Brittany and four kids coaching my boys. They're all playing tackle football, basketball, lacrosse, martial arts, you name it. Daughter's doing gymnastics. So honestly, just being dad is the greatest thing in the world. And a lot of business stuff, a lot of stuff back here in New Orleans and staying busy.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Your last season was 2020. When you walked away from the game at that particular moment in time, were you completely comfortable and ready with that decision or was it a very, very difficult thing to walk away?

[Drew Brees]

You know, it was difficult in the sense that you've done this, done this for 28 out of my 42 years. Because I'm counting high school and college from the perspective that, you know, football was so important and every decision that I was making was with me being the best football player, best quarterback, best leader, That I could be for my team in mind. And so all of a sudden, what you focused on and try to be the best at for two thirds of your life, all of a sudden you're just saying goodbye to that and it's moving on the next chapter. So look, I recognize that's a scary thing for a lot of guys, even when you play that long and you know, hey, it's time. I'll be honest with you, man, my body feels great. Like, I feel great with the exception of my right shoulder. You know, when I had that, that injury when I left the San Diego Chargers, which was significant, doctors told me, hey, you were on the fast track to early onset arthritis and all this other stuff. At the end of the day, you just try to prolong that, prolong that, but at some point that's going to come back and get you. So I always had this term, prolong my prime, Prolong my prime. Like everything I was doing was trying to continue to stay at that high level. But while, you know, kind of my knowledge, experience, wisdom was on the rise, you know, eventually those physical traits begin to, you know, diminish. And so, you know, I retired age 42. I still feel great. If I could still throw, I'd probably still be playing, right? But now I just throw left handed with the kids in the yard. But no, I still love the game, still love being around the game. I'll be involved with the NFL game as long as I live.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I'm looking at your numbers here, and I'm thinking about a career 67.7 completion percentage in 20 seasons. The last five years, you completed over 70% of your passes. When you hear numbers like that, knowing the way the game has evolved even to this day, how do you feel reflecting on your career and the kind of career you had?

[Drew Brees]

Look, I, I wanted to get better every year. Like maybe some guys see it as, man, I'm just hanging on. I'm just trying to sustain. I wasn't trying to sustain. I was trying to get better. So every off season I was taking a hard look at myself, what had happened the year before, where I needed to get better, where I needed to improve, and then what was going to put me on that path to do that? I had mentors that would help identify those things, hold me accountable. So, man, every year it was, I was getting better. And look, I, I think what I recognized as I got later in my career was, man, maybe I was losing a little bit as far as velocity, power on the deep ball, right? Couldn't, couldn't get it much past 45 yards. But I'm telling you, inside of 30, I'm going to be deadly, right? Like, I'm going to know where to go with the football. I'm going to be accurate with it. I'm going to throw guys open, man. I'm going to put them in positions to succeed. I'm going to avoid negative plays, like all those things that result in winning football in championship caliber of football. And honestly, that's the most important part of playing the position. Being a great decision maker, being a great leader, putting guys in positions to succeed. So like was that became more of my game the later in, in, in my career that I got. It was about efficiency, it was about completions, it was about getting us in the third manageable situation. So that was, that was something I took great pride in. Because it's not easy, right? It's not easy.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You know, I look at something, I look at Josh Allen won the league, league MVP last night over Lamar Jackson. Even though Josh Allen is great as a thrower, we know he can run with the football. Big boy can run over, you can make plays. We know what Lamar Jackson could do running the football. He rushed for over 900 yards this year. We see guys like that. Jalen hurts. What he's expected to do in this, he can run with the football. Patrick Mahomes, he can run with the football. Yet somehow, some way, while the NFL tells us this is what we need from the quarterback position now, three of the greatest quarterbacks arguably in the history of the National Football League were dudes who didn't think about running. That would be you, that would be Tom Brady, that would be Peyton Manning. What are we to deduce from all of that?

[Drew Brees]

Well, I think the game, the game has changed and I think the way that young quarterbacks are coming up now has changed. Offenses have evolved to be run game is all rpo. Like very rarely do you just run a run play and that's that. That's the only option you have is to hand it off, right? You watch these teams now, man. Jaden Daniels, Jalen hurts like all these guys, man. They're putting that ball in the running back's belly, but their eyes are on defenders. And if all of a sudden those defenders collapse, man, they're kicking balls out on screen passes and bubbles and quick throws and that kind of thing. So that's become the game where it's triple threat. On every, on every play. I'm going hand it off, I'm going to pull it and run, I'm going to pull it and throw. So when our generation, it was when you're handing the ball off, you're handing the ball off. When you're throwing it, you were throwing it. Right? So look, I just think it's the evolution of the game and now these quarterbacks have evolved with it.

[Stephen A. Smith]

But shouldn't that elevate the level of appreciation we should have for guys like yourself, a Brady, a Peyton man? In other words, you don't hand the ball off. You dropping back the pass, that's what you're doing. You don't have a defense, you know, pause it for a split second because they don't know whether you're going to run or throw anything there. No, you're dropping back the pass. We know what we got to do. We got to get to them or we got to sit up there and cover whoever it is in the secondary. And somehow, some way you were still able to do what you're able to do. Is it possible that guys like yourself and others think that that should elevate the level of appreciation that we as football fans have for y'all did compared to what we're seeing?

[Drew Brees]

Yes, but, but, but let me elaborate on that. At some point, at least a few times in a game, it's going to be third and 13, third and 14 in a critical situation and you're gonna have to just drop back, stand in the pocket, have all this stuff going on in front of your face and deliver that ball strike down the field, over the backer, in front of the safety, all the money, right? And if you can't do that, then that's just a dimension that you don't have, right. And therefore a weakness. Right? So look, I, I, I was brought up with this west coast system where the pass game was an extension of the run game. So instead of handing the ball off for a four or five yard gains, we're going to throw a pass for four or five yard game. It's the same as, and guess what? It needs to be the same level of consistency and reliability to be able to complete that.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Right?

[Drew Brees]

And you know what, occasionally when, man, you get a holding penalty, something happens and you're a third and long situation. I got no problem standing in the pocket. I know where to go with the ball even though I can't see it. I know where my guys are. I know when they're supposed to be there, they know when they're supposed to be there, they know the ball is going to be there. And when we get the job done that way. But it is. It' different. That was a different style.

[Stephen A. Smith]

And you have. You're going to be modest about this. I know. But damn it, I'm going to ask anyway, how many people in the National Football League right now do you believe can throw the ball the way that you just described and throw it close to or as good as you? And the dudes that I mentioned, the.

[Drew Brees]

The. The first guy that comes to mind is Joe Burrow. Especially now. I watched Joe Burrow play his two years here at lsu, right down the road in Baton Rouge, right? Ironically, Joe Brady, who was an offensive assistant for us, so came up through Sean Payton's offense, had just gone to LSU and was supposed to be their passing coordinator, end up kind of being a little bit of the mastermind behind. So I'm watching that magical season they had in 2019, best college football team of all time. Unbelievable, right? Of course, he had those weapons, too. But every week I'm watching our offense being executed by Joe Burrow in the college format. But then to watch him transition to the NFL, I don't think people give him enough credit for his athleticism because he created so many plays this year. Look, his O line struggled and he was forced to move, slide, buy time a lot. Now, it's not, you know, it's maybe not as pretty as some of the other guys, but he will sit there and pick you apart in the pocket all game long. And the minute that he has to move, man, he has the awareness to step up and escape and buy time. Maybe just, man, get a few yards to make it a more third manual, go get that first down when he needs to, right, take the hit. So he's the guy first to mind because I know the offense he came up in, and I know from what I've watched this year, he's got those traits.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Anybody else?

[Drew Brees]

C.J. stroud. I am a big fan of. First off, I just love his poise. I love his poise, I love his demeanor. I love his leadership style from the times I've been around him and just observing, right? And a lot of times I just observe the way teammates react to a guy, right? But I think he's got some really special qualities going back to Ohio State. But just as I watched him in his first two years and as they build the pieces around him, they're building something down there in Houston with D'Amico Ryan. So he would be my other guy.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I'm looking at him and I just say to myself, when I think about this super bowl coming up. Jalen Hurts is somebody that I've talked about a lot. I don't consider it negative because I think the man can play. Tremendous athlete, got the Philadelphia Eagles to their second super bowl in the last three years. But that's Patrick Mahomes he's about to go up against. And I know he doesn't play. Patrick Mahomes doesn't play defense, but damn it, it feels like it does because that brother's gonna put you in a hole. And you've got to answer the call. I'm looking at Philadelphia Eagles matching up against Kansas City, and I'm thinking about Saquon Barkley. You got to have the ability to run the football if you're the Philadelphia Eagles against these dudes. But at some point in time, with Steve Spagnolo as the defensive coordinator, he's going to make you throw that football because he knows Saquon Barkley how important he is. He's going to do everything he can to key off on that guy. Jalen Hurts to me is going to have to get it done. Kenny.

[Drew Brees]

I believe he can. Look, I love, I love the journey he's traveled. Here's a guy through college, started early at Bama, obviously they were. Were a national championship contender. Almost won one with him early on. Then he loses his job to Tua, stays there, right? Like, unheard of in this day and age, right? Most guys would be like, I'm out. But man, stayed kind of like went through that disappointment. Failure gets an opportunity to go in the SEC championship game. All of a sudden they win a national championship again, goes to Oklahoma, but then still, like, doubted falls to the second round. So here's a dude who just has a giant chip on his shoulder, right? Has gone through a lot. And I just, I, I watch the guy, I. I just observe. And man, he's kind of this quiet leader. Very, very intense, very focused, very intentional. And I just know deep down, man, there's this fire burning inside him. And that dude wants respect. That dude wants respect. And you know how you get it? You go out and you win a game like this for the reasons that you just said.

[Stephen A. Smith]

When you talk about the fire burning, if it's possible compared to fires hurts compared to a guy like Mahomes who's on the verge of. Of achieving something that's never been achieved in the super bowl era in NFL history, and that's a three peat. Looking at the fire in his belly. How do you compare the two, man.

[Drew Brees]

You know, Mahomes always looks just so Loose and relaxed, like he's having fun. Look, I know there's a brilliance to him that I don't even think we fully tapped into. Like, I mean, obviously, we. We're all seeing the same thing. Dude's been starting seven years. You know, all these accomplishments. Fifth super bowl that he's been in. But I feel like Philly has more to lose in this game. Yes, I do.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Wow.

[Drew Brees]

Because. Okay, okay, try this one on. If. If Casey loses this game, then, man, they lost out on an incredible opportunity to do something unprecedented and win three in a row. But guess what? They'll probably be here next year and probably the year after that. Like, just at the pace this is going. Like, you don't see them slowing down anytime soon. But Philly, Philly, man, they built this roster. Unbelievable. They were in this game two years ago, went toe to toe with these guys, just came up short. Like, deep down in their hearts, I think they feel like we're a better team. We're kind of flying under the radar right now because everybody's talking about the Chiefs and how great they are and how great Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid and they can beat anybody. But deep down, they're like, man, we're better than these guys. So you go into this game and you lose this game. Now, what's the storyline? Yeah, man, you had your chance two out of three years, and you lost to these guys. So all it is is, man, you can't get past these guys. You can't win the big one. Man, what's wrong with Jalen? What's wrong with this guy? What's wrong with that guy? And then that's the kind of stuff that just starts. You know, it's easy to kind of tear a team apart that way. So that's why I say Philly has more to lose in this game, because I feel like Philly is the better team, top to bottom. And the way that they're built offensively is exactly, I think, the Achilles heel for Kansas City, which, if you can run the ball consistently, man, not only do you just dent that defense time after time, and you go down and get points, you have a triple threat because you have a Jalen hurts who can pull it and run it or the RPO game. You also have big playmakers outside, but if you can do that, you control the clock, you shorten the game. You. You limit maybe two or three possessions away from Patrick Mahomes. Instead of 11 possessions in a normal game, he's only going to get eight. Well, guess what? That just puts a little more pressure on them, forces them to press a little more. That's how you win this game. But you got to stay out of the third and long stuff because to your point, Spags, man, Spags is a mastermind when it comes to dialing up these pressures. That's going to get somebody free. You just can't get in those situations. So, man, you just got to be methodical.

[Stephen A. Smith]

They win this Super Bowl, I'm talking Kansas City. How should we look at Andy Reid, particularly compared to Bill Belichick?

[Drew Brees]

You look at what he's done with two different teams.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Never won in the Philly, but got him to the super bowl in numerous NFC championship games.

[Drew Brees]

Numerous, numerous. I think there's a brilliance to that that should, should be honored and appreciated. I mean, you know, let's see how long he keeps going, you know, I mean, if he wins this one and then they can win it, you know, let's just add him up. You know, it. I saw Belichick last night at honors with all those rings, man, it's, it's hard to argue. Eight rings.

[Stephen A. Smith]

That's right.

[Drew Brees]

You know what I'm saying? Especially at this level. But Andy Reid is, is certainly in that, in that category.

[Stephen A. Smith]

So do you have winning?

[Drew Brees]

Do I have to?

[Stephen A. Smith]

You don't have to, but I'm asking, I'm asking.

[Drew Brees]

No, I, I'll go back to my statement. It's Philly's time. If Philly's going to do it, it's now. Because if they don't, I think it's, it's. They got more to lose.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Let me go back to you with Super Bowl 44. What was it like in this city when you delivered the super bowl championship to this place? What was that like for you?

[Drew Brees]

Man, I wish I could transplant you into this head and visualize what we saw, man. It was like. I can visualize it right now, like getting on that super bowl float at the Superdome as we were about to go on this kind of four hour tour through downtown. It literally walled like you couldn't see brick streets. You just saw bodies, you saw people smiles like tears of joy. So happy. Like it meant so much to him. And it was the culmination of this four year journey from when we all got here in 2006, six months post Katrina, like having no idea what we were signing up for, but realizing also that there was something special here and this was truly a calling for all of us. And all of us were somewhat castaways, you know, man, we weren't desired by a lot of others, and yet we were embraced by this city. And so we felt a great sense of responsibility to give this fan base in this city what they deserve.

[Stephen A. Smith]

What did that do for you as a man? I remember Hurricane Katrina. I remember the catastrophe that it was and how it ravaged this city. We saw bodies floating in the streets, for crying out loud. That's. And that organization, that team led by you, took the bull by the horn, per se, and really regalvanized a city. Saints fans everywhere, certainly this area of the country. What did that do for you as just a man being the face of the city? Because that's how it got to that point when it came to resuscitating and resurrecting the city at that time.

[Drew Brees]

I know this will resonate with you, but there's been so much suffering in, I think, this region for so long. Whether it's the hurricanes that come through or it's the BP oil spill or it's the traged on Bourbon Street. Like, it's. It's just kind of one hit after another, right? And the more that you suffer, I feel like when you get to those. Those moments of joy and togetherness, and when you accomplish something that, you know, you just thought might never happen, there's just such a sense of gratitude. So for me, it was gratitude because quite honestly, coming here to New Orleans was a second chance for me. Like, I thought that I may never play football again. I felt like my dream was just after the shoulder just being ripped away from me, coming off of my shoulder injury from San Diego. And I think a lot of guys felt that when they came, they felt like this was, you know, maybe the last stop or the last opportunity. And so there was just that feeling of appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity to be here, to be a part of something so special that most people don't get a chance to be a part of in their lifetime.

[Stephen A. Smith]

How does it still affect you to this day when you think about you being in this city, being here right now? I mean, it's still Drew Brees city. Cause the Saints haven't done anything since you've been gone. So it's still your city. You understand that, right?

[Drew Brees]

You know, honestly, I feel a great sense of responsibility, like, still to the people, to the city. I want to continue to see this city put its best foot forward. I want people to talk great about New Orleans. I want people to walk away from here saying, man, there's something special about that place. The culture, the tradition. Man, they just know how to treat people and wherever you go in the world, it's amazing. I remember I was in the Netherlands with my wife, just having a nice vacation together, and all of a sudden I hear from across the street, who dat? Like, man, they're everywhere, right? And I think the story of New Orleans resonates with people because there's a part of everybody that, man, they felt that struggle, they felt that hardship, and then to see others overcome and come together and accomplish something amazing, it just resonates with. With everyone.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Now, you and Mr. Rob Gronkowski himself, Gronk himself, You've teamed up with Bounty Paper Tower for the Everyone's Wingman campaign. Talk about that for a second.

[Drew Brees]

Well, so. So Gronk has been the bounty man for three years now, and last year he went to the super bowl, and his wingman was Julian Edelman. Right. His former teammate. So he's coming to New Orleans this year, super bowl, and he's like, who should I ask to be my man? So I get a call from Gronk saying, hey, man, will you be my wingman in New Orleans? I've never been in New Orleans. I've never hung out in New Orleans. Which is hard to believe that Rob Gronkowski has never hung out and had a good time in New Orleans.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Right, right.

[Drew Brees]

So I was like, man, this is kind of a dangerous proposition. I don't know if I should say yes to this. But you know what? Gronk, he's like, man, I'm a little. I'm a calmer. I'm a little more.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Did you get approval from the wife?

[Drew Brees]

Yeah, I did. She's like, all right, man. Show Gronk a good time. You know, he needs to experience the full New Orleans treatment. So I'm like, all right, I got him. So we've been running around Radio Row having a good time.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Been running around with Gronk.

[Drew Brees]

Yeah, I know, but still here with.

[Stephen A. Smith]

A smile, and I'm still here.

[Drew Brees]

We were serving up wings. I was, where's the buffalo? We had some buffalo and barbecue wings to go with your. Your New York pizza and some of the other. Man, we'll bring you some atu fe. We'll take good care of you here in New Orleans. But when you make that mess, we got Bounty to take care of it.

[Stephen A. Smith]

By the way, you had a problem with me eating some pizza? I mean, was there a problem? It's all right. It's not all right for me to get.

[Drew Brees]

Can we put crawfish on it?

[Stephen A. Smith]

No crawfish on pizza.

[Drew Brees]

Look, hey, don't knock it till you try it.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I might try it just for you. Just because you asked me to. Just because you asked me to. What is that? Oh, Lord.

[Drew Brees]

Oh, see, there you go.

[Stephen A. Smith]

There we go.

[Drew Brees]

There we go.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Man, y'all trying to. Y'all trying to elevate my cholesterol level. I'm trying to get healthy, man. All right, man.

[Drew Brees]

All right. Great to see you.

[Stephen A. Smith]

No doubt. The one and only Drew Brees in the house right here on the Stephen A. Smith show.

[Drew Brees]

Foreign.

[Greg Rosenthal]

What'S up, everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal, and I'm teaming up with the king of spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101, free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Stephen A. Smith]

What's up, everyone? Julie Swearbinks here along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.

[Drew Brees]

We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.

[Stephen A. Smith]

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[Drew Brees]

Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.

[Drew Brees]

Julie is pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Listen to Energy Line with Nate and JSB on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.