NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 05: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints looks to pass during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
In the COVID-19 era, even Drew Brees has had to change his habits
The New Orleans Saints QB has had a tumultuous offseason, as he was at the center of an NFL race relations argument given the immediate backlash he faced for his strong disagreement with players who kneel for the national anthem in protest of police brutality. Brees has since altered his viewpoint after speaking with several of his African-American teammates, and seems to be on good terms with most of the Saints.
On a much lighter note, Brees has also altered his actions thanks to the pandemic. The Purdue product has long been known for licking his hands between plays, but that is no longer the case, as doing so could help transmit the virus. Heading into an NFL season that’s already seemingly fragile as ever, it’s important that Brees understands this flaw, and is doing what he can to change.
Brees broke a tough habit this offseason
“So, believe it or not, I’m telling you I have not licked my fingers in four months,” Brees said. “I have consciously broke myself of the habit because of COVID, because probably, partly, because my wife was there to get on me about it.”
Leave it to Brees’ wife Brittany to notice the small things. If there is to be an NFL season, football players will have to rid themselves of plenty of unnecessary physical habits, including but not limited to touching. Football encourages close contact enough as is, as the game is obviously predicated on tackling. Yet, the non-essential contact must be deemed just that, and taken away entirely to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
“Listen, I’ll tell you this: If I can break myself of the licking-the-fingers habit, I think that means anybody can break themselves of any habit. Because that was out of control how much I was licking my fingers,” Brees continued.
We admire Brees’ effort here, and hope that the actions of he and other NFL stars lead to the football season we’re all in desperate need of.