by Jeff Duncan
This book would not have been possible if not for the help and support of so many friends, colleagues and associates.
First and foremost, I want to thank my editors at The Athletic, Jennifer Armstrong and Paul Fichtenbaum, along with founders Adam Hansmann and Alex Mather, for allowing me to pursue the project. Without their support, the book never would have been realized.
My literary agent Doug Grad was a loyal supporter and trusted advisor throughout the 18-month project. It was his idea to tell the Payton-Brees story, and his diligent efforts throughout the process made it happen.
Triumph editor Michelle Bruton was extraordinarily patient as I wallowed in the throes of editorial dissonance during the early stages of the project. Her enthusiastic guidance, astute editorial judgment, and keen attention to detail were invaluable and greatly appreciated.
Triumph publisher Noah Amstadter believed in the book, understood its potential, and provided support throughout the process.
Colleagues Brett Anderson, Greg Bishop, Les Carpenter, Sam Farmer, Bradley Handwerger, Larry Holder, Brett Martel, Katherine Terrell, and Pete Thamel suffered through my tormented, self-absorbed struggles and lent shrewd advice and counsel. Thanks for listening.
Greg Bensel, Doug Miller, Justin Macione, Evan Meyers, and Davis Friend in the Saints media relations office were instrumental in helping to arrange interviews and assisting in historical information, as were Jaguars media relations director Tad Dickman, Bears media relations director Adam Widman, and ESPN public relations Bill Hofheimer. Macione, the Pete Carmichael of the Saints media relations staff, was particularly helpful.
I want to thank Saints general manager Mickey Loomis for participating in the book project and informing its content. I also want to thank the following current and former players, coaches, and executives for their time and insight: Players: Terron Armstead, Teddy Bridgewater, Mark Brunell, Emmanuel Butler, Austin Carr, Marques Colston, Chase Daniel, Ted Ginn Jr., Jon Goodwin, Taysom Hill, Luke McCown, Billy Miller, Lance Moore, Tre’Quan Smith, Jon Stinchcomb, Zach Strief, and Michael Thomas. Coaches: Dennis Allen, Joe Brady, Dan Campbell, Pete Carmichael, John Fox, Curtis Johnson, Joe Lombardi, Doug Marrone, Mike Neu, Mike Nolan, Bill Parcells, Dan Roushar, and Joel Thomas. Executives and staff: John Baumgartner, Mike Ornstein, Blake Romig, and Jay Romig. Carmichael and Lombardi were particularly gracious with their time and patiently helped educate me on the intricacies of the Saints offense.
Finally, I want to thank Drew Brees and Sean Payton for trusting me to tell their story. This book could not have happened without their time, insight, and interest.
Photo Gallery
Sean Payton, who attended high school in Naperville, Illinois, suited up for the Chicago Bears as one of the replacement players, known as the “Spare Bears,” during the 1987 NFL players strike.
All Drew Brees would do in his career at Purdue was set Big Ten Conference records in passing yards (11,792), touchdown passes (90), total offensive yards (12,693), completions (1,026), and attempts (1,678). (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
When the New Orleans Saints hired Sean Payton to help turn their team around in early 2006, he and general manager Mickey Loomis identified quarterback Drew Brees as their top free-agent target. After a competitive battle with the Miami Dolphins, the Saints won over free agent Drew Brees and signed him to a six-year, $60 million deal on March 14, 2006.
When he took over the New Orleans Saints program, Sean Payton knew he had to do more than install a new offense and bring in difference-makers through the draft and free agency. He needed to implement a top-to-bottom culture change.
A year after Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans, Sean Payton, Drew Brees, and more members of the Saints met President George W. Bush and First Lady, Laura, at the airport.
When he signed with the Saints, Drew Brees said it was about more than just business. He saw an opportunity to make a difference by working on post-Katrina community projects, including Habitat for Humanity.
After a first season in New Orleans that saw him go 10–6, win the NFC South, and go all the way to the NFC Championship Game against the Chicago Bears, Sean Payton was fittingly awarded AP NFL Coach of the Year and Motorola NFL Coach of the Year awards. (Matthew Emmons/USA TODAY Sports)
Drew Brees celebrates winning his first playoff game with the New Orleans Saints 27–24 over the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round. It was New Orleans’ first playoff appearance since 2000.
After his wildly successful first season with the Saints, Drew Brees was named first runner-up behind former teammate, San Diego Chargers running back LaDanian Tomlinson, for league MVP by the Associated Press. The two were also co-recipients of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
In just their fourth season together in New Orleans, Sean Payton and Drew Brees brought the franchise its first-ever Lombardi Trophy when they led the team past the Indianapolis Colts 31–17 in Super Bowl XLIV.
Drew Brees shares the pure joy of winning a Super Bowl (as well as being named the game’s MVP) with his son, Baylen.
Drew Brees set multiple records in the 2011 season, including breaking Dan Marino’s longstanding mark of 5,084 passing yards in a single season with a nine-yard touchdown pass to Darren Sproles (far left) in Week 16 against the Atlanta Falcons.
Drew Brees, who has finished second in voting for the NFL MVP award four times, has twice been named NFL Offensive Player of the Year, in 2008 and (pictured) 2011.
During their tenure in New Orleans, Drew Brees and Sean Payton have helped the Saints offense set countless team and league records and become the second winningest coach-quarterback duo in NFL history.
Copyright
Copyright © 2020 by Jeff Duncan
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher, Triumph Books LLC, 814 North Franklin Street, Chicago, Illinois 60610.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data available upon request.
This book is available in quantity at special discounts for your group or organization. For further information, contact:
Triumph Books LLC
814 North Franklin Street
Chicago, Illinois 60610
www.triumphbooks.com
Printed in U.S.A.
ISBN: 978-1-62937-769-8
eISBN: 978-1-64125-499-1
Design by Sue Knopf Page production by Preston Pisellini Photos courtesy of AP Images unless otherwise indicated
