Drew Brees will be recognized by the NCAA at its annual convention in January.
The former Purdue football standout is one of four who will be honored as members of the NCAA’s Silver Anniversary Award, celebrating those who exemplify the values of college athletics in their post-playing career.
Brees is one of four former student-athletes being honored at the 2026 convention with the Silver Anniversary Award, joining former Tennessee women’s basketball player Tamika Catchings, former Millersville women’s tennis player Dr. Lauren Witmer and former Simpson men’s wrestler Nick Ackerman.
At Purdue, Brees was twice the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist. In 2000, Brees led the Boilermakers to their most recent Big Ten title.
He still holds numerous Purdue records, including career marks for passing yards, touchdowns and total offense before a stellar NFL career that included being named Super Bowl XLIV MVP after the Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts.
Brees is the fourth former Purdue football player to be a Silver Anniversary Award recipient, joining former quarterbacks Bob Griese (1992), Mike Phipps (1995), and running back Leroy Keyes (1994).
Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on X and Instagram @samueltking.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Former Purdue football star Drew Brees to receive rare distinction at NCAA convention
Reporting by Sam King, Lafayette Journal & Courier / Lafayette Journal & Courier
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
