This past fall, New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough revealed that he had received some “super helpful” advice from franchise legend and retired signal-caller Drew Brees. Shough ultimately finished as the runner-up for the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, while Brees became a first-ballot Hall of Famer in February. 

During a recent chat with Scott Thompson of Fox News Digital, Shough expanded on what he learned from Brees as a first-year pro.

Tyler Shough found “an incredible mentor” in Drew Brees

“He’s awesome,” Shough said about Brees. “He’s an incredible mentor because of just who he is on and off the field. He’s the pinnacle of being a quarterback, in my opinion. He was big for me.”

Shough began the season as a backup to Spencer Rattler before first-year Saints head coach Kellen Moore turned to the 2025 second-round draft pick after Week 8. In total, Shough went 5-4 as New Orleans’ QB1. Pro Football Reference stats show that he finished Week 18 ranked 25th in the NFL among qualified players with a 48.8 adjusted QBR and 19th with a 91.3 passer rating. Over 11 appearances, Shough passed for 10 touchdowns and rushed for three scores. 

“I got to talk to him during the season when I was still backup about his process and, ‘How do you attack each day?’ It really helped me when I got my opportunity of just going out there, not making anything different and just attacking,” Shough said about his chats with Brees. 

What is the best advice Tyler Shough received from Drew Brees? 

Shough seems to be comfortably atop the New Orleans depth chart this winter. That said, he hinted during his chat with Thompson that the best advice he received from Brees will ensure that the 26-year-old doesn’t fall into bad habits this spring or summer. 

“For me, it was you have to treat each day and each week with your process the same, regardless of who you’re playing, the outcome, what your role is,” Shough shared. “That way, whenever you’re out there, the moment doesn’t feel too big. I feel like that really resonated with me.”

Shough added that he wants to “continue to grow that relationship” with Brees. History suggests Brees won’t have any problem granting that wish throughout 2026.