Drew Brees retires, cementing next stop in Canton

After 15 seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Drew Brees has officially called it a career and will now wait to enter Canton as soon as he’s eligible. 

Since he signed with the New Orleans Saints 15 years ago, Drew Brees blossomed into one of the NFL’s most accurate and prolific passers. However, age finally caught up to the former Boilermaker. He officially announced his retirement, leaving the game with a great legacy and being an icon in New Orleans.

Despite being drafted by the then San-Diego Chargers in 2001 along with fellow Hall-of-Famer LaDanian Tomlinson, Brees found most of his success in New Orleans, turning a franchise known for its long history of losing into a consistent playoff team. In his first season with the Saints, he guided them to the NFC Championship Game.

But it was four years later, in 2009, where he gave the city their greatest memory, a Super Bowl XLIV championship over the Indianapolis Colts. Even better, he was the game’s most valuable player. Throughout his time with the Saints, Brees has set multiple passing records that have since been passed. Nonetheless, he’s proven that his resurgence from shoulder surgery in 2006 is strong.

Drew Brees didn’t just win in New Orleans; he saved the city and put them on the NFL map.

Who can forget what was happening in New Orleans around the time Drew Brees was a free agent? The city was devastated by Hurricane Katrina’s destruction, and the Superdome was mainly used as a shelter. Brees signed with the team and, along with head coach Sean Payton, brought life into the offense.

Besides his accolades on the field, Brees also won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. Brees has also done several charitable activities and donated handsomely to the city while serving as a role model to the community. Not only is he heading to Canton, but his jersey (9) is also likely to be retired soon, joining Doug Atkins (81) and Jim Taylor (31).

Congratulations to Drew Brees on an excellent and well-accomplished career. Next stop? The Pro Football Hall of Fame, likely on the first ballot.