QB Drew Brees and NFL Stars Work with Youth at Walt Disney World

Everyone knows Walt Disney World has world class theme parks, but it also has a professional quality sports complex too.  For the second year in a row NFL quarterback Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints) brought a group of his NFL friends to work with high school youth at the Drew Brees Passing Academy.  The camp’s proceeds benefit the Brees Dream Foundation established by Brittany and Drew Brees to improve the quality of life for cancer patients, and provide care, education and opportunities for children and families in need.  Regarding the kids at his camp Drew Brees said, “playing football in the Disney World parks, it doesn’t get any better than that.”

Drew Brees Passing Academy at ESPN Wide World of Sports

New Orleans Saints Pro Bowl quarterback Drew Brees prepares to throw a pass at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World. Photo by Gregg Newton, courtesy Disney Sports

Saints QB Drew Brees and several fellow NFL stars are making dreams come true at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World for hundreds of high school football players.  The Drew Brees Passing Academy and 7-on-7 Tournament is taking place at the Disney sports complex through Saturday, June 28th.

Drew Brees Passing Academy at ESPN Wide World of Sports

New Orleans Saints Pro Bowl quarterback Drew Brees instructs high school football players at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World. Photo by Gregg Newton, courtesy Disney Sports

 

Brees, along with Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald, Eagles RB Darren Sproles and Patriots CB Darrelle Revis, are headlining the camp which involves football players representing 24 high schools, mainly from the southeast.  After an opening day of football drills, the teams began taking part in a 7-on-7 competition on Friday and Saturday.

Drew Brees Passing Academy at ESPN Wide World of Sports

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald instructs high school football players. Photo by Gregg Newton, courtesy Disney Sports

Drew Brees Passing Academy at ESPN Wide World of Sports

Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles instructs high school football players at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World. Photo by Gregg Newton, courtesy Disney Sports

Drew Brees Passing Academy at ESPN Wide World of Sports

New England defensive back Darrelle Revis instructs high school football players at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World. Photo by Gregg Newton, courtesy Disney Sports

 

After the first day of the camp, the NFL players talked about the importance of the camp for these promising high school athletes, the upcoming NFL season and the fun they are having at Walt Disney World.  Brees was excited to work with these high school kids and remembers when he was in their position.  Brees added, “I’m trying to touch as many lives as I can while I’m out here with these kids,” and wanted to give back something to take forever - be it playing quarterback, leadership, or just the overall experience.  Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald noted that so many people helped him realize his dream and he wanted to give that same opportunity to the next generation.

It won’t be long before these NFL players report to their own training camp, but, at least for now, Brees, Fitzgerald, Sproles, and Revis, all play on the same team with the goal of giving back to high school players as well as other families in need.  For more family travel news, reviews, and trip reports, be sure to follow Adventures by Daddy on twitter and “like” our facebook page too.

About Dave Parfitt

Married, father of two girls, and living in the heart of the Finger Lakes. I'm a runner with a PhD in neuroscience and a passion for travel.