METAIRIE, La. -- Drew Brees did the math while reflecting on how long the game of football had been the primary focus in his life.
Twenty-eight years, dating back to high school.
"That's two-thirds of my life," said the 42-year-old Brees, who announced his retirement Sunday after 20 NFL seasons and 15 as quarterback of the New Orleans Saints. "Of course it's a difficult decision."
"I understand why guys have such a hard time with the transition from football. ... You can't replicate the locker room, and you can't replicate running out of the tunnel.