Drew Brees honors service of grandfather, local football legend

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is paying tribute to his grandfather, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former Gregory-Portland High School football coach, Ray Akins this Veterans Day weekend.

Is a social media post, Brees says he is thankful for the courage and service of the more than 20 million living veterans in the U.S.

There are more than 20 million living veterans in the U.S. I’m thankful for their courage and service every day, but even more so and especially around Veterans Day. Alongside @USAA I’m honoring Cpl. Ray Akins and Col. Eugene Brees today and am challenging everyone to do the same. Much love to all the Veteran’s across the U.S. and abroad. #HonorThroughAction

A post shared by Drew Brees (@drewbrees) on Nov 8, 2018 at 3:17pm PST

In the post, Brees says he is honoring Akins, who served as a Marine from 1943-1946, as well as his other grandfather and World War II veteran, Col. Eugene Wilson Brees.

Akins coached the Gregory-Portland Wildacts from 1965-1988, leading the team to 12 consecutive district titles and a trip to the state finals in 1971.

He retired from coaching in 1988 as the second most winning coach in Texas high school football history.

Akins passed away in December 2017.