The year was 2004. Quarterback Drew Brees took the field, commanding the San Diego Chargers huddle and relaying the playcall. The offense broke and lined up. He surveyed the Denver Broncos defense, noting the alignment of veteran defensive tackle Luther Elliss — a two-time Pro Bowler with 29 career sacks.
It was a tough day. The Broncos defense won the day, sacking Brees four times and winning 23-13. Somewhere, Elliss’ son nine-year old son Kaden was cheering. It would be Elliss’ last season in the NFL, capping off a successful 10-year career. Months later, Brees would injure his throwing shoulder by diving into a pile to try and recover a lost fumble.