“I DIDN’T WANT MY FINAL MEMORY OF FOOTBALL TO BE AN UNFINISHED CHAPTER. NEW ORLEANS IS HOME — THE PLACE THAT SHAPED WHO I AM, THE LOCKER ROOM THAT BELIEVED IN ME BEFORE THE WORLD EVER DID. AND IF THIS JOURNEY HAS TO END, I WANT IT TO END HERE, WITH THE TEAM AND THE FANS WHO GAVE ME EVERYTHING.”

In a deeply emotional moment that has brought tears to the eyes of New Orleans Saints fans everywhere, Drew Brees, the man who redefined the quarterback position and led the Saints to their first Super Bowl title, has signed a one-day contract to retire as a Saint. This marks the official end of a legendary career that made Brees one of the most respected and beloved figures in NFL history.

Brees was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in 2001, but it was in New Orleans where he made his indelible mark. After joining the Saints in 2006, Brees quickly transformed the team, leading them to a Super Bowl victory in 2010 and becoming the franchise’s all-time leader in virtually every passing category. With over 80,000 passing yards and more than 570 touchdowns, Brees redefined the art of passing and became known for his precision, leadership, and unwavering resilience.

Known for his work ethic and leadership, Brees became the heart and soul of the Saints. His performances in clutch moments, including his Super Bowl XLIV MVP performance, earned him a place in the hearts of New Orleans fans forever. Beyond the numbers, Brees was revered for his impact on the city, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, when his leadership helped bring hope and pride back to the Saints and the New Orleans community.

Reflecting on his decision to retire as a Saint, Brees shared, “New Orleans gave me everything I could have ever asked for. The city, the fans, my teammates — they were my family. I couldn’t imagine ending my career anywhere else but here, where my journey began and where my heart has always been.”

Though Brees retired in 2021, his decision to return and officially retire as a Saint is a moment of closure for both him and the city of New Orleans. His legacy is not just defined by his impressive stats or accolades, but by the way he changed the Saints franchise and the city itself. His leadership on the field was matched only by his kindness and generosity off the field, as he became a beacon of hope for the community.

As the Saints move forward into a new era, the impact of Drew Brees will continue to resonate. He is not just a quarterback; he is a symbol of perseverance, resilience, and love for the game and the city of New Orleans.

While Brees’ playing days are officially over, his legacy as the greatest Saint to ever take the field will live on forever. Drew Brees is, and will always be, a New Orleans legend.