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Drew Brees says being selected for the Pro Football Hall of Fame is an achievement he never expected, describing the recognition as one of the greatest honors of his life after a remarkable two decade NFL career.
The former New Orleans Saints quarterback will be inducted into the Hall of Fame next month as part of the Class of 2026. Looking back on his journey, Brees admitted that becoming one of football's all time greats was never something he envisioned when he first entered the league.
According to Brees, his only goal as a young player was to earn an opportunity to compete at the highest level. He said he never arrived in the NFL expecting to one day receive one of the sport's highest honors, making the upcoming induction even more meaningful.
Selected by the then San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft after starring at Purdue University, Brees spent the first five seasons of his professional career with the franchise before joining the New Orleans Saints in 2006.
His move to New Orleans transformed both his career and the club's history. Under his leadership, the Saints captured their first Super Bowl title in February 2010, cementing his place among the NFL's elite quarterbacks.
During his 20 seasons in the league, Brees threw for more than 80,000 passing yards, recording five seasons with at least 5,000 passing yards. He retired in March 2021 as the NFL's second leading passer in history, trailing only Tom Brady.
Reflecting on his accomplishments, Brees said the milestones accumulated gradually throughout his career until one day he received the life changing call informing him that he had been elected to the Hall of Fame.
The 47-year-old will be inducted in Canton, Ohio, alongside fellow football greats Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly, Adam Vinatieri and Roger Craig.
Brees said that throughout his playing days, his primary motivation was never personal awards but rather making a lasting impact on the game. He wanted to help his teams succeed, extend his career for as long as possible and leave football better than he found it.
Now retired, Brees remains committed to helping the next generation of quarterbacks. He praised reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford, who recently credited Brees as an inspiration for extending his own career. Brees said he believes experienced players have a responsibility to share their knowledge and guidance with younger athletes.
He also acknowledged the mentors who shaped his own career, including Doug Flutie, who guided him during his rookie season with the Chargers, and Kurt Warner. Brees added that many of the quarterbacks he admired growing up have since become close friends and fellow members of football's most exclusive fraternity.
