Last Friday, a video went viral of former NFL quarterback Drew Brees being struck by lightning. However, the athlete took to Twitter and assured his fans that he is fine and the video was completely staged.
The video, which was shared during the week, showcased the retired New Orleans Saints quarterback surrounded by a camera crew before lightning strikes him and the screen goes dark. The Twitter account that initially posted the video only left fans with the cryptic message, “NFL star @drewbrees gets hit by Lightning in Catatumbo while filming a promotional video… More info in a few minutes.”
“We are aware of the media coverage regarding PointsBet brand ambassador Drew Brees,” the account continued, further fueling the controversy. “We are in communication with Brees’ team and will continue to monitor events throughout the coming hours. At this stage we will not be making any further comment.”
However, ESPN reporter Katherine Terrell was quick to shut down any rumors that the retired football player might actually be dead. In fact, she took to Twitter and disclosed to all those concerned that she personally reached out to the 43-year-old and was happy to find him responsive. “I just texted Drew Brees,” the reporter said on social media. “He said he’s good and that he did not get struck by lightning.”
What is the TRUTH behind Drew Brees’ lightning strike video?
Once the news that the football player was not actually dead, an explanation for his actions was posted by PointsBet, a company the NFL athlete was working with to promote their new bet drops. “Time to let you in on a little fun we’ve had,” the business shared, before announcing that their partner is “alive and well and ‘buzzing’ for a weekend of free bets.”
Brees himself also took to the social media site and confirmed his status, despite being in an ambulance while doing so. “Just wanted to jump on and let you know that I am alive and well in Cataumbo, Venezuela, which by the way is the most active hot spot for lightning strikes in the world,” he said during the video.
In addition to his admittance of the prank, Brees went on to joke, “The lightning must’ve thought I was wearing a Falcon’s jersey, that’s why it tried to get me.”
