MDS told you about the remarkable turnout Tuesday at the Saints’ surprisingly organized team activities, with 37 members of the team coming together from all parts of the country to participate in workouts Drew Brees spearheaded.
Left unsaid by Brees was the cost associated with the practices. Brees has spent a considerable amount of time and money to put these workouts together.
Jeff Duncan of the New Orleans Times-Picayune writes that Brees is paying for most of the expenses. He’s paying for Tulane staff to help out, in addition to insurance and lodging for some of the team’s younger players. (No word if guys are crashing on his coach.)
“This is leadership defined. What better way to win friends and influence teammates than to dig into your own pocket and show them you care about their well-being as much as your own,” Duncan writes.
We agree. The weeks of work Brees put into the workouts may say even more about him. He flew his personal trainer into town to oversee the conditioning “program.” He arranged for the Tulane Institute of Sports Medicine to provide insurance for players that need it. He coordinated with the school to make their film room available.
Who needs coaches?
And as Duncan points out, who can imagine this Saints team without Brees? Even during a lockout, Brees’ market value for his next contract continues to rise.