how did drew brees get the scar on his face

Drew Brees' noticeable mark on his right cheek, often mistaken for a scar, is actually a birthmark he's had since birth.

The Birthmark Story

This port-wine stain-like birthmark drew bullying during Brees' childhood, with kids calling him names like "Spot" or telling him to wipe it off his face. Even Oprah Winfrey once thought it was smeared lipstick and tried to wipe it during a TV appearance, leading to an awkward but lighthearted moment. Brees has embraced it over time, using his platform to inspire kids facing similar teasing about their appearance.

Bullying and Resilience

Growing up, Brees faced relentless comments about the mark, which fueled his determination rather than holding him back. In a 2012 CNN interview, he shared how it taught him to handle unfair ridicule, saying kids get picked on for names, looks, speech, or laughs—reality he wanted to address. He partnered with campaigns like It Gets Better, urging fans not to mock differences, declaring, "Making fun of someone because they're different? That's not being tough, it's being ignorant."

Injury Misconceptions

Separate from the birthmark, Brees sustained facial injuries during games, like stitches on his chin after a 2015 Titans loss where it swelled hugely, or a claimed 2004 jaw fracture from colliding with Terrell Suggs (though most sources don't confirm this as causing a visible cheek scar). Forums and fans sometimes mix these up with the birthmark, sparking viral speculation, but reliable accounts confirm it's congenital.

Forum and Trending Views

Online discussions, like Reddit threads and gossip sites, often recirculate the birthmark tale with fresh fan concern during playoffs or retirements. Some recent posts (as of 2025) speculate injury origins, but consensus holds it's the lifelong mark Brees proudly keeps to teach self-acceptance. Contrasting views: a minority push the Suggs hit narrative for drama, yet photos from his Purdue days prove the mark predates NFL.

Common Myths| Reality
---|---
Game injury scar (e.g., 2004 Ravens) 3| Birthmark since birth 15
Lipstick or burn mark 7| Port-wine stain, bullied for it 9
Recent swelling/stitches 2| Separate chin injury, not cheek 2

TL;DR: No accident—pure birthmark turned badge of honor.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.