Drew Brees taking Purdue to the Rose Bowl has some competition as the school's modern athletic peak as the Boilermakers play in their first Final Four in 44 years tonight in Glendale, Ariz.

The former Boilers QB and NFL star was in attendance rooting on his alma mater at the national championship game against UConn.

Brees appeared on the pregame show and it was pointed out that he was 13 months old the last time Purdue made the Final Four, which occurred in 1980.

"It's about time," Brees said with a laugh. "It makes us so proud. I think we've always prided ourselves on having a great basketball program. One that not only prides ourselves on skill development but character and leadership development and graduating our players."

Brees complimented the players, including Lance Jones.

"Obviously we have a lot of great players," Brees said. "I feel like Lance Jones, the addition of him as a four-year transfer coming up from Southern Illinois. He's been a huge addition. We just have a bunch of lunchpail guys come to work. Obviously (Zach) Edey gets a ton of attention but everyone contributes and that's what I love about this team. Because it is a team."

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Drew Brees at Final Four to cheer on Purdue against UConn