New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) throws a pass in the second half of Tampa Bay's 31-24 win over New Orleans, Sunday, December 31, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Fla. T
Advocate staff photo by HILARY SCHEINUKDrew Brees began the week of preparation for the Carolina Panthers by burying his hero.
His grandfather, Ray Akins, died last week, and an emotional Brees spent Monday and Tuesday in Texas for the funeral.
Saying goodbye to Akins was profoundly sad at times, but his grandfather was also an inspiration to Brees.
"I really came back energized from the last two days, just being with my family, and with friends, and with guys that played for my grandfather, and just listening to their stories again," Brees said on Wednesday.