Drew Brees's Sports Injuries
Type of Sport: American Football
Drew Brees's Sports Injuries Table
| Type | Area | Date | Consequences | Content | How It Happened | Recovery Duration | Rehabilitation Details | Impact On Career | Psychological Impact | Previous Injuries | Return To Competition | Severity | Treatment | Medical Staff | Long Term Impact | Preventive Measures | Competition Missed | Initial Symptoms | Re Injury Risk | Support System | Rehabilitation Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Muscle Injuries | Right Oblique | 2015-09-19 | Missed 1 game, limited practice | The injury limited Brees' range of motion and throwing ability. He missed one game to allow for recovery. | Brees suffered an oblique strain during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. | 1-2 weeks | Rest, physical therapy, and gradual return to practice. | Minor; Brees returned quickly and performed well. | Brees remained positive and focused on recovery. | No significant previous oblique injuries. | 2015-10-04 | Mild | Rest and physical therapy | Saints medical team | No long-term impact reported. | Core strengthening exercises | 1 game | Pain and tightness in the oblique area | Low with proper rehabilitation | Family, teammates, and coaching staff | New Orleans, LA |
| Fractures | Right Thumb | 2019-09-14 | Surgery required, missed 5 games | Brees underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb. The injury significantly impacted the New Orleans Saints' offense, causing them to rely on backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. | Brees injured his right thumb after colliding with Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald. | 6 weeks | Rehabilitation included physical therapy and strength training exercises to regain mobility and strength in the thumb. | Temporary setback; Brees returned to form after recovery. | Brees expressed frustration but remained positive and focused on recovery. | No significant previous thumb injuries. | 2019-10-27 | Moderate | Surgery and physical therapy | Saints medical team and an orthopedic surgeon | No long-term impact reported. | Strengthening exercises and protective gear | 5 games | Severe pain and inability to grip the football | Low with proper rehabilitation | Family, teammates, and coaching staff | New Orleans, LA |
| Knee Injuries | Left Knee | 2017-12-23 | Limited practice, played through the injury | Despite the injury, Brees managed to play through the pain and did not miss any games. The injury was diagnosed as a mild MCL sprain. | Brees sustained a left knee injury after being hit by an Atlanta Falcons defender. | 2-3 weeks | Rest, physical therapy, and wearing a knee brace during games. | Minor; Brees continued to play at a high level. | Brees remained determined and focused on the team's success. | No significant previous knee injuries. | 2017-12-31 | Mild | Rest, physical therapy, and knee brace | Saints medical team | No long-term impact reported. | Strengthening and conditioning exercises | None | Pain and swelling in the knee | Low with proper management | Family, teammates, and coaching staff | New Orleans, LA |
| Rib Injuries | Right Ribs | 2020-11-14 | Missed 4 games, extensive rest required | The injury was diagnosed with multiple rib fractures on both sides and a pneumothorax (collapsed lung). Brees was placed on injured reserve. | Brees sustained multiple rib fractures and a collapsed lung after taking a hit from San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Kentavius Street. | 4-6 weeks | Rest and gradual return to physical activity, monitored closely by medical staff. | Short-term impact; Brees returned to play in the same season. | Brees remained focused and determined to return. | No significant previous rib injuries. | 2020-12-20 | Moderate to severe | Rest and medical monitoring | Saints medical team | No long-term impact reported. | Wearing protective padding | 4 games | Severe pain, difficulty breathing | Low with proper healing and protection | Family, teammates, and coaching staff | New Orleans, LA |
| Shoulder Injuries | Right Shoulder | 2005-12-30 | Surgery required, extensive rehabilitation | The injury was severe, leading to questions about Brees' future in the NFL. He underwent arthroscopic surgery performed by Dr. James Andrews. | Brees suffered a dislocated shoulder with a torn labrum and rotator cuff while trying to recover a fumble in a game against the Denver Broncos. | 6 months | Intense rehabilitation program including physical therapy and gradual return to throwing. | Major turning point; led to signing with the New Orleans Saints. | Significant; Brees had to overcome doubts about his career longevity. | No significant previous shoulder injuries. | 2006-09-10 | Severe | Arthroscopic surgery and physical therapy | Dr. James Andrews and the New Orleans Saints medical team | No long-term impact; Brees had a successful career post-recovery. | Strengthening and conditioning exercises | Entire offseason and preseason | Severe pain, inability to move the arm | Moderate; managed with ongoing conditioning | Family, medical team, and coaching staff | Birmingham, AL and New Orleans, LA |
Drew Brees's Sports Injuries Videos
Drew Brees: Broken Ribs and Collapsed Lung Injury | Full Sequence | NFL Week 10
First career sack for the second-year pro out of North Carolina State, but there's a flag thrown for roughing the passer. The defensive player, Contavious Street, made an outside move on Ruiz and sacked Drew Brees, who was visibly hurt. The call seemed to be due to the weight being put on the quarterback at the end of the play, which is tough for defensive players due to the bodyweight rule. This rule, which originated from an incident where Aaron Rodgers got hurt, prohibits landing with full body weight on the quarterback. The commentators expressed disagreement with the call, noting it didn't seem worthy of a flag.
Drew Brees Has 11 Rib Fractures!? - Doctor Reacts to Shocking NFL Injury Update
NFL quarterback Drew Brees has suffered 11 rib fractures, with eight on the left side and three on the right, and a collapsed lung from recent hits. Rib fractures can be hard to detect on X-rays, often requiring advanced imaging like CT scans. Despite the severity, Brees is hopeful to return by Week 14. His collapsed lung is reportedly healing well, without the need for a chest tube. Recovery timelines vary, but athletes can return once pain-free and able to perform necessary movements, typically within 2 to 10 weeks for a collapsed lung and 4 to 6 weeks for rib fractures, with protective gear.
#5 Drew Brees Comes Back from Shoulder Injury to Lead Saints | Top 10 Player Comebacks | NFL Films
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees started in San Diego but faced significant challenges, including a serious shoulder injury. Many thought his career was over, and even Miami's doctors advised against signing him. However, New Orleans took a chance on Brees, which proved to be transformative for both him and the team. Paired with head coach Sean Payton, Brees led the Saints to remarkable success, including a trip to the NFC Championship game in 2006. His performance that year, with 4,418 passing yards, revitalized the team and the city, making Brees's comeback one of the greatest in NFL history.
