A $2 million gift from former Boilermaker All- America quarterback Drew Brees and his wife Brittany will boost the academic side of Purdue University's intercollegiate athletics program.

The gift will enhance an academic area to be named the Drew and Brittany Brees Student-Athlete Academic Center in the Intercollegiate Athletic Facility.

Drew, now the starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, played for the Boilermakers from 1997 to 2000 and earned a bachelor's degree in industrial management. As a student-athlete, he received the inaugural Socrates Award, recognizing the nation's finest athlete in terms of academics, athletics and community service.

Brittany also attended Purdue, earning a bachelor's degree in organizational leadership and supervision in 2000. She runs the Brees Dream Foundation full time in its mission to provide education and create opportunities for disadvantaged children, especially those suffering from the debilitating effects of cancer.

Nick Hardwick knows what it’s like being a guy working for everyone’s respect. He knows how difficult the grind can be, especially for a walk-on. But there’s no greater example of where someone can get with hard work, perfect timing and a little luck along the way.

“You get some walk-ons who are there so they can associate. A lot of the times you get really passionate people who outwork everybody else,” Hardwick said. “They may not be the most talented, but they are going to put their time in and they are just happy to be there. There are no disgruntled workers when you’re a walk-on. You’re there because you want to be.”

Hardwick was fortunate enough to have a family that was willing to support him through his college experience. That’s something he’s never forgotten. To this day, he considers that family a special group of friends. That family is the reason he’s giving back.