Former NFL Star Drew Brees Lands New Job

The Super Bowl champion initially committed a First Take cardinal sin by agreeing with someone. Brees had no qualms with Stephen A. Smith ranking the Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers, and Indianapolis Colts as his top-five NFL teams.

"I'm not just going to argue to argue," Brees said, defying the entire concept of the show.

However, Brees showed a better understanding of his new assignment when discussing the Eagles. Smith took umbrage at Brees not bringing up Jalen Hurts when mentioning the quarterbacks who have impressed him the most to start the 2025 season.

"I can't stand to watch that offense," Brees said. "It's the most boring offense."

Brees clarified that a boring offense can "absolutely" steer the Eagles to a successful Super Bowl defense. The 46-year-old also believes the NFC East is the league's toughest division.

Brees' sports media career

Brees becomes the latest former NFL star to land a First Take role. Ryan Clark, Marcus Spears, Dan Orlovsky, Jeff Saturday, and Cam Newton comprise a revolving door of panelists.

This isn't the 13-time Pro Bowler's first foray into sports media. Brees worked on NBC's Football Night in America during the 2021 NFL season and served as a color commentator for Notre Dame football games.

Barrett Media reported that Brees' collaboration with ESPN isn't exclusive. He's slated to call an NFL game alongside Ian Eagle for Netflix on Christmas Day.

Brees joins First Take during an unusual time, as longtime host Molly Qerim abruptly left ESPN last week. Shae Peppler Cornette hosted the show on Tuesday, but ESPN has yet to name a permanent replacement.