Here’s another step for Drew Brees on his way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The former New Orleans Saints quarterback delivered a speech to his Texas hometown crowd on Friday night when his old high school jersey was retired, bringing some real juice to an already-heated rivalry game between Westlake and Lake Travis.
“First off, I love Friday night lights. I love Austin, Texas. And I love our Westlake Chaparrals,” Brees told the crowd, via KXAN+’s Noah Gross, his framed No. 15 jersey held up behind him. He used No. 15 in high school and in college at Purdue before switching to his famous No. 9 in the NFL. Brees picked the No. 9 as a pro because it was used by legendary Boston Red Sox left fielder Ted Williams, one of his favorite baseball players.
Still, the No. 15 was what Brees wore when he put himself on the map in an undefeated senior year at Westlake High School. It’s what he wore in 28 victories (and one tied game) and a 5A State Championship win, and when he was named Texas High School 5A Most Valuable Offensive Player. And now it’s his forever. He shared a great speech on Friday night. We’ll be waiting for an even better one at Canton, Ohio next summer.
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