Drew Brees stands atop the record books in most NFL passing categories. He has lifted the Lombardi high as a Super Bowl MVP and very well could do so again before he hangs up the cleats, but for much of his life, Drew Brees has been the undersized underdog. That hasn’t stopped Brees from proving his doubters wrong year after year and in the twilight of his career Drew Brees has little left to prove which is why he is one of the NFL’s highest paid players in history.

How much is Drew Brees’ net worth?

Estimates from Celebrity Net Worth put Brees’ net worth at $100 Million. As of December 2018 Drew Brees is one of 29 NFL players to earn at least a $100 million in contract salary according to Business Insider. Third on the list behind only the Manning brothers (Peyton and Eli), Brees has earned $221.7 million on the field and could pass both Mannings before he retires.

Of course Brees has transcended beyond the football field. Known as a devout family man and consummate leader, Brees has parlayed those qualities into numerous endorsement deals. As one of the NFL’s most recognizable faces, Brees has been the pitchman for Nike, Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, AdvoCare, Wrangler, Verizon and Microsoft as well as many regional brands. Listed at #17 on Forbes tally of highest paid athletes in 2018, the magazine puts his endorsement value at $13 million for 2018.

Drew Brees marked from the start

Drew Brees worked hard to achieve his lofty status as an NFL great.

Born in Texas with a birthmark on his right cheek, Brees’ full name is Andrew, but his parents shortened that to Drew. Drew did not like the birthmark growing up because other kids made fun of it, but as an adult he attributes the mark on his face for helping to shape the man he is today.

Brees did not play tackle football until high school in Austin, Texas though he did play flag football for his private school growing up. He began his path to the pros as a B Team player for Austin Westlake High but he rose quickly and led the team to the state playoff his junior year before tearing his ACL. Showing the same perseverance that would guide him for decades to come, Brees rehabbed and came back stronger leading his school to a coveted State Championship in the football mad Lone Star State. Drew Brees started 29 high school varsity games in Texas and never lost.

Drew Brees and his doubters

Despite his unblemished record in the most competitive state for high school football, Brees was only offered scholarships by two Division I programs. Kentucky and Purdue. Labeled too short, too slow, and too injury prone after his torn ACL, Brees was spurned by instate schools, including his father’s Alma mater Texas A&M Brees chose to become a Boilermaker and went on to a legendary career at Purdue.

The same arguments about his size and speed led every team in the National Football League to bypass him in the first round of the 2001 NFL draft. Finally picked by the San Diego Chargers to open the 2nd round, Brees played five seasons for the Chargers before the team opted to let him go in favor of Phillip Rivers. Injured his final game for San Diego, Brees again faced naysayers as only the Dolphins and Saints showed real interest.

The Saint-sational Drew Brees

Drew Brees found his place in New Orleans. Recently ravaged by Hurricane Katrina, the city and Drew Brees were both looking to rebound. Teamed with an offensive minded Coach in Sean Payton, Brees elevated both his game and the city and the 2009 season ended with Brees as Super Bowl MVP. Drew Brees has earned his money leading the Saints on the field but his value extends far beyond zeroes on a ledger sheet for his many fans in the Gulf Coast region and beyond.

The Brees Dream Foundation has contributed more than $25 million to charitable causes and academic institutions in New Orleans, San Diego and West Lafayette/Purdue communities as Drew Brees continues to be a benefactor and source of inspiration in every community he’s ever called home.