This year’s Purdue University’s Day of Giving reached a historic milestone in donation numbers, collecting nearly $111 million. The university’s annual event is aimed at making the school more affordable for the masses. And this year, Super Bowl-winning alumni and former New Orleans Saints quarterback, Drew Brees, had a huge part to play in the donation drive. Brees and his wife, Brittany, paid a unique homage to the legendary Boilermakers’ head coach, Joe Tiller.

This year’s Day of Giving also included the John Purdue Club of Scholarship and Academic Support and Varsity P for athletic alumni. However, Brees and his wife donated matching dollars towards the naming recognition cause of the university grounds’ Tiller Tunnel.

Drew Brees and wife make a generous donation for late Purdue coach

Joe Tiller was the winningest head coach in Boilermakers’ history, ending his career with an 87-62 record. This included a 53-43 record in conference matchups. Tiller took Purdue to 10 bowl games and their first Big 10 Conference championship in 2000. Brees and Tiller also made it to the 2021 Rose Bowl. That was the first time the school appeared in the game since 1967.

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In his honor, Drew Brees, worth $160 million now, and his wife, Brittany Brees, contributed with matching donations towards the Rose-Ade stadium’s Tiller Tunnel. “A great way to honor the legacy of our late HC Joe Tiller and create an incredible game-day experience for Boiler fans and players! No better time to be a Boilermaker,” he captioned on Instagram.

After stellar stints at Purdue and Wyoming, before that, Joe Tiller retired in 2008. The iconic offensive mind passed away in 2017 at the age of 74. Besides Brees, Tiller influenced a multitude of players, 53 of whom made it to the NFL, including 6 All-Americans.

How is Brees’ matching donation helping the community?

Thanks to the Brees family’s matching donations, the fans can get their full naming recognition on the Tiller Tunnel for half the amount. Consisting of three giving levels at $5,000, $25,000, and $100,000, Purdue Sports explained it perfectly. “If you give $2,500 on Purdue Day of Giving to the Tiller Tunnel initiative specifically, you will qualify for naming recognition at the $5,000 level,” the school said.

Drew Brees and Brittany, both alums, will also receive special naming recognition for supporting the initiative. Brees has already broken many hearts with his verdict on coaching in the NFL after his interim stint for Purdue. However, it’s safe to say that the iconic quarterback has not faltered in his MVP-level dedication. Even after years of calling it quits from football.

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