Drew Brees arrived in New Orleans ten years ago. He was a 27-year-old quarterback overlooked in San Diego for a young up-and-comer named Philip Rivers. The Saints, six years removed from their last postseason appearance, and New Orleans, one year removed from Hurricane Katrina, took a chance on Brees.
Through his performance on the field -- a Super Bowl title, nine Pro Bowls and three First-Team All-Pro nods -- and his work in the community, Brees has become one of the most beloved figures in The Big Easy.
A U.S. Navy officer made Brees feel his effect this past week. Chief Petty Officer Thomas J. O'Brien customized his own personal gift for Brees. O'Brien is stationed on the USS Rafael Peralta, and when when the ship's Chief Mess had specialized coins made for the officers, O'Brien asked for his with a No. 9 to send to Brees.
Thanks to Chief Petty Officer Thomas O'Brien for the note & one of the best challenge coins I've seen! Thank you sir! pic.twitter.com/bH8F9pSPwd
— Drew Brees (@drewbrees) December 8, 2016
Here's the full text:
Mr. Brees,
My name is Thomas O'Brien. I'm currently in the U.S. Navy, stationed aboard the USS Rafael Peralta (DDG415). I wanted to send a token of my appreciation for the love you always show for the military as well as all the work for pour into the New Orleans area. If it wasn't for you and some other key individuals I don't know where the city would have been after Katrina.
Our ship's Chief Mess had these coins made (& serialized). You can see on the backside I signed up for the Number 9 so I could give mine to you. I hope that one day I will be able to meet you in person so that I can shake your hand and say thank you, but until then I hope this will mean something to you. Thank you for everything you do on and off the field.
-Chief Perry Officer
Thomas J. O'Brien
USN
Brees obviously had a mark on this military man's life, making Brees somewhat emotional during the same week as the 75th anniversary of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.
But you know how Brees can really make O'Brien's year? By winning the NFC South. The Saints (5-7) are two games behind both the Bucs and Falcons, but of New Orleans' final four games, two are against Tampa Bay and one against Atlanta.
-- Follow Jeff Eisenband on Twitter @JeffEisenband. Like Jeff Eisenband on Facebook.
