By Baptist Message staff
CANTON, Ohio (LBM) – Former New Orleans Saints Quarterback Drew Brees shared about the impact Jesus and pastors had on his life during his Pro Football Hall of Fame speech.
Brees, who led the New Orleans Saints to their Super Bowl XLIV championship and shattered all team passing records and multiple NFL records, reflected on how an injury in high school led him to a path to accepting Christ as his Savior.
“One of the most life-changing events occurred my junior year of high school,” he said the speech, Aug. 8. “After suffering a major injury, which put my athletic career in jeopardy, my identity was challenged. Up until that point, sports had defined me, and I wasn’t sure who I was without it.
“Sitting in church on my 17th birthday, Christ came into my heart and changed me forever,” he continued. “I felt protected, connected and directed towards the path that God had for me. He would equip me for the journey, which led me to places I never could have expected.”
Brees also thanked pastors who influenced him, including Rob Wilton, who served as pastor with Vintage Church, New Orleans (2008-2017) and was the team chaplain (2010-2024).
“Thank you to Pastor Shawn Mitchell, Miles McPherson, Rob Wilton and Troy Martin for your Christian mentorship in my life,” he said.
