New Orleans Saints Players as Game of Thrones Characters

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Jun 14, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) during the first day of minicamp sessions at the New Orleans Saints Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Drew Brees as Jon Snow

Introduced as the bastard son of Eddard Stark, John Snow (Snow is the name given to all bastards in the series) plays a pivotal role in the Game of Thrones series. As a child in Winterfell, however, he never really found his place. Bastards in Westeros are frowned upon and carry no claim as a family’s heir.

Jon Snow moved from Winterfell to the Night’s Watch, a military order in the Northern lands of Westeros that protects the continent from attack. To become part of the Night’s Watch, or ‘take the black’ as it is referred to in the series, Jon must give up every luxury and agree to protect and serve everyone South of the wall.

Early on Jon Snow finds it difficult to fit in, but his determination to succeed and prove his worth take him from simple soldier to leader of the Night’s Watch. There were plenty of mishaps and struggles along the way and some very poor decisions that lead to his eventual murder by the hands of many he trusted.

Jon’s death did not last long as he was reborn (a common theme in the series it would seem) by the hands of Melisandre (a red priestess from the continent of Essos). Now John leads a collective army of soldiers from multiple backgrounds to regain peace among all the people of the world.

If one cannot see the parallels between Jon Snow and Drew Brees, they have not been following Brees’ career very long. The ‘bastard son’ of Texas (Westlake High School in Austin Texas) he was overlooked and unwanted by Texas universities after an ACL injury in his Junior year of High School.

Drew travelled north to the icy winters of Indiana and ‘took the black’ of the Purdue Boilermakers. Brees continued to be overlooked even though his skills and intelligence were on display every week in college.

In the 2001 draft process, Brees was scrutinized for being too short and not strong enough to succeed in the NFL. The San Diego Chargers drafted him in the second round at No. 32 overall. He would play only one game in his rookie season, but spent the next four years as the leader of the Chargers offense.

San Diego would go on to select Eli Manning in the 2004 NFL draft before they would trade that selection to acquire Philip Rivers due to the Manning family’s decision to forego playing for San Diego.

Drew was once again underestimated that season, but it only intensified his desire to prove everyone wrong and in 2004 he would have his best season as a Charger. He was determined to keep his job as the leader of the San Diego Chargers.

The 2005 season brought great tragedy as Drew Brees would suffer a near career ending shoulder injury in the last game of the season after diving for a fumble against the Denver Broncos. The death of Brees’ career was imminent. Very few people around the NFL would have faith in the rebirth of Brees’ shoulder.

A move to New Orleans would give Brees the rebirth he and the city would need. Now, after 10 seasons in New Orleans, the story of Drew Brees is not near its completion and much like Game of Thrones, fans will hopefully be entertained for many years to come.