Joovvin' with Drew Brees

Drew Brees is the NFL’s all-time leading passer, a Super Bowl champion, and the starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints. Drew enters his 20th season in the NFL in 2020, and he’s focusing on the recovery aspect of his game more than ever.

Drew is using Joovv light therapy after practices and workouts to enhance his body’s natural recovery process, and come back from pain, strain, and inflammation. Drew talked with Joovv about his training this offseason, his legendary career, and how he’s using light to stay healthy and win in the NFL.

Did you do anything differently this offseason to prepare? Have the Covid restrictions changed how you approach your training or forced you to try anything new? 

Covid has forced us to take a different approach to training. Much of the off-season was spent in my backyard being creative. It actually allowed me to discover some old training techniques and movements that will hopefully pay dividends this season.

Do NFL players take recovery more seriously than they did at the beginning of your career? How has recovery evolved in the NFL since the start of your career?

Absolutely… Especially as you get older, there becomes more of a premium on your recovery. The recovery becomes more important than the training itself.

Who’s been the hardest hitting defensive player you’ve gone up against in your career?

The hardest hit ever took was from linebacker Zach Thomas with Miami Dolphins. It was a play action pass, and he had a 10 yard running head start and hit me right as I was throwing. I literally did a backflip!

What part of your training routine is the toughest to get through, but yields great results? 

Blood flow restriction therapy… It is challenging. You certainly have to get your mind right to get through it, but the results are worth it.

Obviously you don’t stick around the NFL as long as you have without successful recovery and rehab techniques. What are some of your go-to strategies for overcoming soreness and nagging injuries? 

I love light therapy, and the cold tub has become very consistent for me. Dry needling as well.

What role does light therapy play in your workout/recovery routine these days?

I’m looking for every edge possible, to be the best that I can be for as long as I can be. Light therapy has been one of those strategies for me! I typically get my light therapy in right after we put our kids to bed at night. Great way to start or finish the day!

Would you recommend Joovv light therapy to younger players who are just starting their careers?

Joovv and light therapy have become a great part of my recovery process. I find that I sleep better and wake up rejuvenated with my body feeling great and ready for the challenges of training.

Your first year in the league was 2001. If you could go back and talk to yourself at the beginning of your NFL career, what’s a piece of advice you’d give rookie Drew Brees?

What advice would I give to myself as a rookie… Focus on the process and the result will take care of itself. We are in such a results driven business, but it is all about the process.

If you could have one game back in your career to re-play, which one would it be? 

No regrets… Everything happens the way it is supposed to. Even the greatest disappointments have led to the greatest triumphs.

What’s something you love about Louisiana that people might not know or expect?

I love the traditions in New Orleans… Our neighbors bring us red beans and rice every Monday during the football season. Of course Mardi Gras, jazz fest, Second line parades. Certain things happen here that don’t happen anywhere else.

Favorite superhero character and why?

Invisible Man... Imagine the places you go and things you would see.

What is a goal or dream of yours for your post-NFL life?

My goal in my post NFL life is to develop a special relationship with each of my children. And to build lasting family memories.

You can read more Joovvin’ interviews with elite pro athletes on the Joovv Blog.

The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Joovv. Any content provided by our guest collaborators are of their opinion and are not intended to diagnose, cure, or prevent specific diseases of medical conditions.