Introduction
Drew Brees is one of the most celebrated quarterbacks in NFL history, having led the New Orleans Saints to their first Super Bowl win and establishing himself as a prolific passer. In this article we dive into three major topics relating to his career and public image: his final game, his post-playing career as an announcer, and the story behind the mark on his face (commonly mis-labelled as a scar).
1. The Last Game & Retirement
After an illustrious 20-year NFL career, including 15 seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Brees announced his retirement on March 14, 2021.
His final game came at the end of the 2020 season, where the Saints’ postseason run ended in a loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Divisional Round. In that game he completed 19 of 34 passes for 134 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.
In his retirement announcement, Brees wrote:
“After 20 years as a player in the NFL and 15 years as a Saint, it is time I retire from the game of football… I am only retiring from playing football, I am not retiring from New Orleans. This is not goodbye, rather a new beginning.”
Why it matters:
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Brees left the game as one of the all-time passing leaders and the face of the Saints franchise.
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The final season was physically taxing, with injuries impacting him; he had missed several games.
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His decision to retire came at a moment when his arm and body were showing signs of wear, underscoring the end of an era.
2. Announcer / Post-Playing Career
Following his retirement as a player, Brees began working in broadcasting and football analysis. Most recently, reports indicate that he signed with Fox Sports as a full-time NFL analyst in 2025.
His ability to translate his on-field experience into commentary, and his high profile as a former star, make him a natural fit for the announcer role.
Key points:
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He leveraged his reputation and insight as a quarterback into a media career.
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His transition keeps him involved in football, while shifting from player to commentator.
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Fans of his playing days may now follow him in a new capacity.
3. The “Scar” on His Face — What Is It?
Many fans have asked: What is the mark on Drew Brees’s right cheek? It is often mis-described as a scar, but in fact:
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The mark is a birthmark, present since birth.
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In his own words he said:
“Because of my birthmark, which I was obviously born with, I got all kinds of comments when I was a kid… People called me ‘Spot’. … I just remember my mom telling me when I was a kid, ‘Hey, that’s where an angel kissed you. So, nobody can say anything.’”
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Medical commentary suggests it might be classified as a congenital melanocytic nevus or a vascular birthmark.
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He never sought to have it removed; instead he embraced it as part of his identity.
Why this matters:
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The birthmark became a symbol of resilience for Brees — turning childhood teasing into a message of uniqueness.
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It challenged perceptions of what an elite athlete “should” look like, and Brees used it to speak to bullying and self-acceptance.
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For fans of the Saints and Brees, some even painted or wore stickers mimicking the mark as a show of solidarity.
Conclusion
Drew Brees’s legacy is multi-faceted: a record-setting quarterback, a beloved figure in New Orleans, and a person who turned a visible birthmark into a positive part of his story. His final game marked the end of a playing era, but his announcer role keeps him visible in football. The mark on his face serves as a reminder that greatness comes in many forms — and what some might see as an imperfection can become a powerful emblem of character.
