New on SI: Forever Having to Prove Himself, Drew Brees Finally Set to Take His Place Atop NFL Record Books

A common narrative throughout Drew Brees’s career is that he’s often been overlooked—too short, twice injured, playing in the shadow of quarterback greats like Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. But the more important reality, as Brees prepares to break the NFL’s passing yards record, is that he’s always been a perfect quarterback for this generation.