Drew Brees puts LSU fandom on hold for Purdue in Citrus Bowl

Drew Brees was a fan of the LSU Tigers but there’s an exception for the future Hall of Fame quarterback. Brees, who was recently named an interim assistant coach at his alma mater Purdue, faces the Tigers Monday in the Citrus Bowl.

Brees played the vast majority of his career with the New Orleans Saints, so there was definitely a lot of crossover between the Saints and LSU. But, he’ll have to put his Tiger cap away, at least for Monday’s contest. 

LSU is a big favorite over Purdue, generally in the 14.5 point range according to most Vegas odds. But Brees definitely felt Purdue over LSU going into the last game of the season.

“Being a Saints fan is like being a Tigers fan,” Brees said, via Bengal Tiger’s Shea Dixon. “They are one in the same. (My family) are LSU fans. I love LSU. Except for Monday.”

The LSU connections aren’t new for Brees considering he even visited the team back in September.

Brees retired following the 2020 season after a 20-year NFL career, 15 of which came with New Orleans. He ranks second in NFL history in both passing yards (80,358) and touchdowns (571), while also ranking first in Saints history in both categories. He ended his career with one Super Bowl victory and 13 Pro Bowl appearances.

LSU head coach Brian Kelly detailed the preparation for Purdue earlier this month considering the roster changes.

“We’ve watched their backup quarterback. He played six to eight snaps against Florida Atlantic, so we know who he is,” Kelly said. “They’re playing LSU. They’re going to play hard. They’re going to play for four quarters. They’re a Big Ten team. They’ve got scholarship players. We’re not really that concerned about Purdue not showing up and playing really well. I think what we’re concerned about is what we do, and how we do it. You don’t tackle a lot during these bowl games. We have some guys that are not going to be playing.

“I think our focus has been much more on what we do and how we do it, and our preparation, more so than really concerning ourselves with what Purdue’s situation is.”

The backup quarterback referenced by Kelly is Austin Burton, who will play instead of Aidan O’Connell, who’s off to the NFL Draft.“He’s excited for the opportunity,” interim head coach Brian Brohm said. “He’s a sixth-year senior, been around a lot of football. Had two starts in his career, so far. He’s chomping at the bit to get out there and lead these guys.”