Drew Brees wanted to make sure the old John Wooden jersey stayed at Purdue.

So, he bought it.

After a Q&A session with Purdue coaches at the John Purdue Club "Boilermakers on the Road" Tuesday night in Jeffersonville, where Matt Painter earlier announced Carsen Edwards was returning for his junior year, Brees was introduced via video. Originally, the New Orleans Saints QB was set to be there in person, but Tropical Storm Alberta ruined his travel plans.

But it didn't ruin the announcement. Brees said he purchased the 1930s Wooden jersey, with help from Bruno's owner Orlando Itin, a Purdue memorabilia collector and fan. It was purchased from the family of John Neff for $264,000.

"We knew we'd be pulling an all-nighter," Brees said of the auction, "to get the job done to make sure the John Wooden jersey made its way back to Purdue. From 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday morning, May 18, bidding was hot and heavy, but at the end of the day, we were able to secure John Wooden's original jersey that he wore as a member of the Purdue basketball team from 1930-32 — the national championship game in '32, by the way.

"Tonight, in front of you, we're making the big announcement, the big reveal. ... It will reside in the hall of Mackey Arena forever."

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