Strong Brees

Drew Brees did more than break the NFL single season record for passing yards on Monday Night; he solidified his spot as a top tier NFL quarterback.  Aside from the New Orleans Saints quarterback’s consistent outstanding productivity, he possesses one quality that propels him from the second tier of quarterbacks into the ranks of the best: leadership.

Often when discussing the best quarterbacks playing in the NFL, Brees is passed over.  Brady, Manning (the real Manning), and Rodgers are the consensus top three and tier one.  Brees, Vick, Roethlisberger and Rivers round out the top 7 but are considered a notch or two below the elite. This should change. Brees deserves to be the 4^th in the discussion of the best, from now on.

The New Orleans Saints quarterback’s numbers speak for themselves.  Over the last 5 seasons, including this year, Brees averages 4,717 passing yards—more yards than Brady, Manning and Rodgers. He’s averaged 34 touchdowns each of the last 5 seasons—more touchdowns than Manning and the same number as Brady and Rodgers.  With Brees at quarterback, the Saints have made the playoffs for 4 out of 6 seasons, including 3 straight from 2009-12 and a Superbowl victory in 2010.

More importantly, Brees’ leadership gives him the edge over the second tier quarterbacks and places him on the same level as Brady, Manning and Rodgers.  The second tier of qbs is full of dubious leaders.  Vick and Roethlisberger have off-the field issues that taint their resumes and raise character questions.  Rivers’ off the field record appears untarnished, but his poor play this season and inability to win in the playoffs keeps him out of the top tier level.

Brees separates himself from this second group because of his ability to effectively and consistently lead.

He is dedicated to his team and focused on their goals.  After breaking Dan Marino’s single season record for passing yards on Monday night—a record many believed to be unbreakable—Brees’ thoughts were on the season goal: winning Superbowl XLVI. “I’m sure after the season I’ll spend time to reflect on [setting the record],” Brees said.  “But right now, there’s still so much to be done.”

Brees is humble. He credits his team rather than himself.  Brees is team-oriented. He is focused on the team’s goals.  Brees is passionate.  Football and his team are everything to him.  He is confident, respectful, and resilient (a tangent of perseverance).  And the list goes on.

Brees is worthy of top tier quarterback consideration for more than his play.  He is an extraordinary leader and deserves recognition from analysts, fans, and players alike. He inspires others to play and to be their best.

“It is not about one single person,” Brees said in a speech after Monday’s record breaking night and the Saints rout of division foe the Atlanta Falcons. “It is about us…and all about the prize at the end.”

Step up and lead…now!

Lessons in Leadership, a weekly blog segment, showcases effective and successful leaders in all fields and professions and explores general leadership topics.  The posts uncovers and highlights characteristics of the featured leader. Please leave comments or email a response or suggestion about future blog entries to paul@scleadershipacademy.org.

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