Everyone remembers that moment in 2010. The confetti was falling in Miami, and Drew Brees was holding his toddler son, Baylen, high into the air while wearing those iconic noise-canceling headphones. It wasn't just a sports photo; it was a family photo that happened to take place in front of millions of people.
Fast forward to 2026. That little boy on the podium is now a seventeen-year-old high school standout with his own eyes on Louisiana football.
Drew Brees and family haven't just faded into a quiet retirement. Honestly, they’ve stayed busier than most people do during their working years. While the jerseys have changed from black and gold to casual polo shirts and coaching gear, the Brees clan remains one of the most visible—and surprisingly grounded—families in the sports world. They moved back to San Diego, but their hearts (and several of their business investments) clearly never left New Orleans.
Life in California and the New Orleans Pull
You'd think after twenty years of grueling NFL hits, Brees would be sitting on a beach somewhere with a drink in his hand. Not quite.
The family currently resides in the San Diego area, where Drew and Brittany first met during their time with the Chargers (and originally back at Purdue). But they aren't exactly "local" to just one spot. They’re known to travel back to New Orleans about ten times a year. Why? Mostly because the kids miss the food. Specifically, they miss Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux, the restaurant chain Drew helped grow.
📖 Related: Is There Actually a Wife of Tiger Shroff? Sorting Fact from Viral Fiction
Brittany Brees has always been the engine behind the scenes. She isn't just a "supportive spouse"—she’s essentially the COO of the Brees household and their massive philanthropic arm, the Brees Dream Foundation. Together, they’ve funneled over $50 million into various causes, ranging from cancer research to rebuilding New Orleans schools.
It’s a big operation. Managing four kids and a hundred-million-dollar legacy isn't for the faint of heart.
The Next Generation of Brees Athletes
The kids aren't just "Drew Brees' children" anymore. They are making their own names in the Southern California sports scene.
- Baylen Robert Brees (17): The oldest. He’s a wide receiver at Santa Fe Christian High School. He famously wears a Louisiana state flag sticker on his helmet—a nod to the city that raised him. He’s reportedly interested in attending LSU.
- Bowen Christopher Brees (15): Also a football player. He’s following the same path as his big brother, often seen in the gym or on the field with his dad.
- Callen Christian Brees (13): The third son. Like his brothers, he’s heavily involved in the "Brees family business" of being active.
- Rylen Judith Brees (11): The youngest and only daughter. Drew often posts about her gymnastics or soccer matches, showing a softer side of the legendary "cool-headed" quarterback.
The Business of Being Brees
Retirement in 2021 was just the start of a new playbook. Drew didn't just walk away; he pivoted into a franchise mogul.
👉 See also: Bea Alonzo and Boyfriend Vincent Co: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
He’s currently the biggest franchisee for Everbowl, a superfood bowl chain. He’s also deeply involved with Jimmy John's and Small Sliders. But it isn't just about the money. He has a rule: he won't invest unless his family actually likes the product. He once told an interviewer that he knew Everbowl was a winner when he saw his sons eating it during the pandemic.
Recently, he even partnered with the architecture firm HNTB to work on sports infrastructure. Basically, he wants to design the stadiums where the next generation will play. It’s a full-circle moment for a guy who spent two decades inside those very structures.
What People Get Wrong About Their "Quiet" Life
There’s a misconception that the Brees family is just living a standard "celebrity" life. In reality, their schedule looks more like a logistics company's spreadsheet.
Drew has been open about the physical toll the game took on him. He had a shoulder that was basically held together by "bailing wire and duct tape" by the end of his career. Despite that, you’ll still find him on the sidelines of flag football games. He’s a huge advocate for the sport, even co-founding Football Greats Alliance and Football 'N' America, a youth flag football league.
✨ Don't miss: What Really Happened With Dane Witherspoon: His Life and Passing Explained
He wants kids to love the game without the same level of impact he took for twenty years. That’s a pretty big shift for a guy who made his living in the pocket.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Families
If you’re looking to follow the Brees family’s lead on balancing a high-pressure career with a tight-knit home life, here are a few things they actually do:
- Prioritize "The Game After the Game": Drew often mentions that his kids’ favorite part of his career wasn't the touchdowns—it was running onto the field afterward. Make the "after-work" moments the priority.
- Invest in Your Community: Whether it’s through the Brees Dream Foundation or just showing up at local events, they stay connected to the places that shaped them.
- Encourage Multi-Sport Participation: Even though they are a football family, the Brees kids have played everything from soccer to basketball. Avoid early specialization to prevent burnout.
- Value-Based Investing: If you're looking into business ventures, take a page from Drew’s book: only put your name on things you’d actually use or eat with your own family.
Drew Brees and family represent a rare breed of sports royalty that hasn't let the bright lights blind them. They’re just as likely to be seen at a high school game in Solana Beach as they are at a black-tie gala in New Orleans. As the kids get older and the Hall of Fame induction in 2026 looms, the Brees legacy is clearly moving into its second—and perhaps more impactful—act.
To keep up with their latest philanthropic projects or youth sports initiatives, you can follow the Brees Dream Foundation's official updates or catch Drew's occasional insights on the state of the NFL and youth athletics through his various business partnerships.