Drew Brees is still very close with the Saints. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

It’s no secret that Drew Brees has a great affinity for the Saints and the city of New Orleans. However, few might have known just how strong Brees’ ties to the organization remain.

Brees, now an analyst for NBC, appeared on “The Dan Patrick Show” Friday and revealed just how closely he keeps in touch with the Saints. He admitted he is in regular contact with quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill, and when pressed, he even revealed how much he knew about what the Saints planned to do against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1.

“I’m in touch with (Winston) and Taysom quite a bit throughout training camp, preseason, and during the season,” Brees said.

The quarterback then had a telling response when asked by Patrick if he was an unofficial assistant coach.

“I will say this: I did have the game plan for the game in my hand,” Brees admitted.

The game plan worked, as the Saints beat the Packers 38-3, so if Brees gave any input, it certainly didn’t hurt.

It’s always an issue when players go directly to the broadcast booth, as some will inevitably accuse them of bias relating to the team with which they closely indentify. That hasn’t been a problem for another prominent ex-quarterback, and Brees seems willing to fill the same role. Nevertheless, Brees might have to be a little bit careful if he ever has to work a Saints game considering how much information he still appears to get.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
NHL approves sale, relocation of Arizona Coyotes
Eastern and Western Conference play-in teams' odds to advance take hit with brutal injuries
NFL decides fate of five players suspended for gambling
Injured Rangers ace ahead of schedule in rehab efforts
Penguins' Sidney Crosby addresses retirement, contract chatter
Warriors 'want' Klay Thompson back with team next season
Bill Belichick says he’s only coached one rookie who was NFL-ready from Day 1
Giants GM addresses Daniel Jones 'buyer’s remorse' report
76ers big man gives Knicks bulletin-board material ahead of first-round matchup
Yankees star joins elite company after latest feat
Watch: Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon puts exclamation point on historic season
Aroldis Chapman suspended by MLB over brief exchange with umpire
Packers make important roster move just days before 2024 NFL Draft
Steelers' Russell Wilson blasted by Super Bowl champion: 'You were along for the ride' for championship
Former GM eviscerates Falcons brass for passing on Bill Belichick
Yankees' Juan Soto reportedly eyeing 'bidding war' between two teams
Mike Trout makes his thoughts on a trade from Angels abundantly clear
Former White Sox All-Star critical of time with the club
Deion Sanders denies restricting Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter to six NFL teams
Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard declares for NBA Draft, creating hole in backcourt