Drew Brees and the 13U La Costa Canyons earned a spot in this year’s Pop Warner Super Bowl, solidifying their place as one of the top youth football teams in the nation. The former NFL quarterback spoke with Pop Warner about his transition from playing to coaching, the transformative impact of youth football on young athletes, and the valuable life lessons his team learned during a challenging yet rewarding season.
What was your post-season message to the team?
A lot of it was about reflecting on the journey. It’s been a long process that started on August 1, and here we are now in mid-December, close to Christmas. I wanted them to take a moment to really think about what they’ve been a part of and what they’ve accomplished. This season was almost like an NFL season—it took about 16 to 17 games to get here. The level of commitment they all showed was incredible.
There were ups and downs early on, from battling injuries to other challenges, but we kept growing, learning, and coming together. We didn’t make excuses, and now we’re here, competing as one of the top eight teams in the country at the 13U Pop Warner level. A lot of young kids out there can only dream of this opportunity. So, my message to them was about gratitude, reflecting on the season, and understanding that great things can come when you pursue something with the same dedication we had this year.
Can you talk about the impact of youth football on young athletes?
I don’t think there’s a better way to shape young men than through sports, especially football. It made a huge difference in my life—being part of teams, having great coaches, and being held to high standards. Coaches set expectations, and when you didn’t meet them, there were clear consequences. But they also gave you confidence, pushed you through uncomfortable moments, and helped you grow stronger.
We all need mentors like that in our lives, and I’ve always believed that football coaches can have the greatest impact on kids, especially in today’s world. Coaching isn’t easy, and tough coaching is even harder. This year, we pushed the kids, set a high standard, and they responded. I truly believe they’re all better for it.
What has the transition from playing to coaching been like?
I love it. I love the game and the opportunity to help these kids succeed. It’s about challenging them, pushing their limits, and exposing them to advanced levels of football they may not have experienced before. At first, it’s all foreign to them, but then you see them grasp it, gain confidence, and excel.
Who knows what this experience will mean for their future in football or even in life? I like to believe that the lessons we’re teaching—whether on the field, in other sports, or in life—are making an impact. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their growth and to know we’re contributing to that.
What was your post-season message to the team?
A lot of it was about reflecting on the journey. It’s been a long process that started on August 1, and here we are now in mid-December, close to Christmas. I wanted them to take a moment to really think about what they’ve been a part of and what they’ve accomplished. This season was almost like an NFL season—it took about 16 to 17 games to get here. The level of commitment they all showed was incredible.
There were ups and downs early on, from battling injuries to other challenges, but we kept growing, learning, and coming together. We didn’t make excuses, and now we’re here, competing as one of the top eight teams in the country at the 13U Pop Warner level. A lot of young kids out there can only dream of this opportunity. So, my message to them was about gratitude, reflecting on the season, and understanding that great things can come when you pursue something with the same dedication we had this year.
Can you talk about the impact of youth football on young athletes?
I don’t think there’s a better way to shape young men than through sports, especially football. It made a huge difference in my life—being part of teams, having great coaches, and being held to high standards. Coaches set expectations, and when you didn’t meet them, there were clear consequences. But they also gave you confidence, pushed you through uncomfortable moments, and helped you grow stronger.
We all need mentors like that in our lives, and I’ve always believed that football coaches can have the greatest impact on kids, especially in today’s world. Coaching isn’t easy, and tough coaching is even harder. This year, we pushed the kids, set a high standard, and they responded. I truly believe they’re all better for it.
What has the transition from playing to coaching been like?
I love it. I love the game and the opportunity to help these kids succeed. It’s about challenging them, pushing their limits, and exposing them to advanced levels of football they may not have experienced before. At first, it’s all foreign to them, but then you see them grasp it, gain confidence, and excel.
Who knows what this experience will mean for their future in football or even in life? I like to believe that the lessons we’re teaching—whether on the field, in other sports, or in life—are making an impact. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their growth and to know we’re contributing to that.