New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees pays homage to major league greats

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is paying homage to some of the greatest players in major league history with his cleats on Sunday.

Millions of football fans will be watching on Sunday as the New Orleans Saints take on the Chicago Bears during the first round of the playoffs. While the Saints enter the game as the prohibitive favorites, anything can happen.

Baseball fans will have an additional reason to watch the game. Quarterback Drew Brees unveiled his custom cleats where he is honoring some of his favorite players in the game.

Brees certainly picked an impressive group. Ken Griffey Jr. was the idol of his generation growing up, easily the most impressive player of his time. Nolan Ryan was a legend for his toughness, durability, and impressive fastball.

Satchel Paige was arguably the greatest pitcher in the history of the Negro Leagues, a legend who pitched his final game at 59 years old when he fired three shutout innings against the Red Sox. Speaking of the Red Sox, Brees also honored Ted Williams on his cleats, paying homage to a player that may have been the greatest pure hitter in the history of the game.

While Brees may have gone on to a career in the NFL, that was not his only love. He was a baseball fan growing up, idolizing some of the players that he is honoring on Sunday. Brees had even considered playing baseball in college instead of football, but based on his impressive career, he ultimately made the correct decision.

That does not change the love he has for the game. Brees may have moved on to a different sport, but his love of baseball remains. His idols are still there, fresh in his memory. And during the first round, they will be honored on his custom cleats.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has found a way to honor some of the greats in baseball history. Hopefully, those cleats can find their way to the Hall of Fame once the game is over.