Drew Brees, Super Bowl MVP and one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, joins the Pickleballers crew for one of the most inspiring and wide-ranging episodes we’ve ever done. Drew opens up about almost quitting football in high school, battling through injuries, getting benched in the NFL, and the mindset that helped him become a legend.He also shares how beating Andy Roddick in junior tennis shaped his competitive fire, why he chose New Orleans over Miami, and how he fell in love with pickleball after retirement. From mental toughness and leadership to franchise investing and the growth of the sport, Drew drops gems the entire episode. This one’s a masterclass in perseverance and passion.

(00:00) – Intro
(00:53) – Who’s the best celebrity pickleballer?
(02:15) – Drew’s journey: from Austin kid to pro athlete
(04:06) – How tennis & baseball shaped his football career
(07:03) – Playing Andy Roddick & childhood sports stories
(11:46) – The turning point: almost quitting football
(14:00) – Tearing his ACL & building mental toughness
(16:02) – Why adversity matters
(18:25) – NFL beginnings
(20:52) – Getting benched & battling for his career
(23:38) – Competing with Philip Rivers & proving himself
(25:04) – Peak performance: what it takes mentally
(27:27) – Decision-making over stats: a QB’s philosophy
(30:31) – Losing arm strength & adapting his game
(31:06) – The Chargers injury that changed everything
(34:12) – The comeback decision: football or retire rich?
(35:12) – Miami vs. New Orleans: why he chose the Saints
(37:06) – New Orleans post-Katrina: “This is bigger than football”
(39:34) – Discovering pickleball & building a backyard court
(41:14) – The viral post that launched his pickleball journey
(42:15) – Investing in MLP & the Pickler franchise
(45:54) – NOLA Picklefest: bringing community & charity together
(47:27) – Should athletes give back? Drew’s perspective
(49:04) – Tennis vs. pickleball vs. padel: Drew picks his favorite
(50:28) – Best athlete in pro pickleball? Drew weighs in
(51:24) – Could Tom Brady play pickleball?
(52:01) – Island scenario: Drew picks his dream team
(52:59) – Final thoughts & why Drew inspires so many