Drew Brees may be best known as the quarterback who led the New Orleans Saints to Super Bowl victory in 2010, but he grew up throwing passes in Austin.
He perfected his game on the nearly half-acre lot of a four-bedroom, two-bath home in North University, to be more precise. Brees grew up in 3501 Woodrow St., which has now hit the market for $1,890,000 and is represented by Suzanne Pringle of Kuper Sotheby's International Realty
"I can just see Drew and his brother throwing passes in the backyard," Pringle told Realtor.com.
The 3,000-square foot home was originally built in 1933 but boasts several updates, including central air conditioning, a guesthouse, pool, and enlarged three-car garage.
There are still lots of original features, though, from the Craftsman-style wood-burning fireplace in the formal living room to the floor-to-ceiling bookcases in the family room. Original wood floors run throughout, and period-style cabinetry adds a touch of historic charm to the otherwise updated kitchen.
"For someone who loves old houses, it still has a lot of the original character," Pringle said.
The current owners bought the 3,000-square-foot home from Brees' former stepfather, Harley Clark, in 1993. Clark is best known for introducing the "hook 'em horns" hand signal in 1955, as the University of Texas at Austin's head cheerleader.
Born in Dallas, Brees grew up in Austin and, according to Pringle, attended a nearby elementary school. He went on to play football for Westlake High School before heading to college at Purdue.
It probably helped that he had all that space on which to run around and play ball on. The park-like backyard features a covered porch, expansive decks, and a gazebo, all backing up to Waller Creek.
"It's almost half an acre," says Pringle. "You just never find that in town. It's on the higher end of the [price] range, because of all the land that comes with it."
Despite its secluded feel, the home is close to many popular Hyde Park restaurants, a five-minute walk to Russell Lee Elementary School, and only eight blocks from UT.
3501 Woodrow St. is where NFL superstar Drew Brees grew up.
