On Sunday, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees announced his retirement after 20 seasons.
Brees announced his decision with the help of his children on an Instagram video. In the video, Brees’ four children spoke about their father retiring, while Brees wrote a long statement. In the retirement statement, the 42-year-old said, “After 20 years as a player in the NFL and 15 years as a Saint, it is time I retire from the game of football. Each day, I poured my heart & soul into being your Quarterback. Til the very end, I exhausted myself to give everything I had to the Saints organization, my team, and the great city of New Orleans. We shared some amazing moments together, many of which are emblazoned in our hearts and minds and will forever be a part of us.”
In his retirement statement, Brees gave some touching words for his tenure with the Saints. “You have molded me, strengthened me, inspired me, and given me a lifetime of memories. My goal for the last 15 years was striving to give to you everything you had given to me and more. I am only retiring from playing football, I am not retiring from New Orleans. This is not goodbye, rather a new beginning. Now my real life’s work begins!”
The quarterback was drafted in 2001 by the then-San Diego Chargers and played with them until 2006. With the Chargers, the quarterback won the NFL Comeback Player of The Year award in 2004 and was elected to his first Pro Bowl as well. In 2004, the quarterback signed with the Saints and that’s where he made his legacy.
The 13-time Pro Bowler spent 15 seasons with the Saints and helped led them to a Super Bowl win in 2010. Additionally, the Pro Bowler was awarded the NFL Offensive Player of The Year twice. Other accolades include leading the league in passing yards seven times, passing touchdown leader four times, and completion percentage leader a total of six times.
The 42-year-old retires as the NFL’s all-time leader in career passing yards (80,358 yards), second all-time in touchdown passes (571) and completion percentage (67.7%).
