New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has announced his retirement on the 15th anniversary of his signing with the team.
The star quarterback was one of the most terrifying offensive weapons in NFL history across his 20-season career with the Saints and Chargers. He holds the all-time record for passing yards with 80,358 and is second only to Tom Brady in touchdowns with 571. He's only a tenth of a point behind Deshaun Watson in career pass completion percentage at 67.7% and leads all quarterbacks with 7,142 passes completed. Brees led his teams to a 172-114 record during his career and outdueled Peyton Manning in Super Bowl XLIV.
Brees announced his retirement with an Instagram video featuring his children.
As befits his legendary status, reaction poured in from across the sports world.
You came to us at our lowest point.
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) March 14, 2021
You led us to our highest.
You represented our state, city, and team with incredible professionalism, class, and toughness.
We are forever grateful for the immeasurable impact you and your family had on this city. #ThankYouDrew pic.twitter.com/HljWp4NG2K
Congrats my friend on an incredible career. Thank you for the inspiration and dedication on and off the field! Look forward to seeing what's next @drewbrees https://t.co/2rDMn78OQD
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) March 14, 2021
Happy retirement legend!! The game will miss you @drewbrees #AllDay pic.twitter.com/fgF5pEHgr9
— Adrian Peterson (@AdrianPeterson) March 14, 2021
Amazing Career @DrewBrees
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) March 14, 2021
Legend.
Thanks for all you did for me & the game! 🙏🏾#HOF
One of the most inspiring people I've ever met, and I'm lucky to call him a friend.@drewbrees, congratulations on 20 years at the highest level on and off the field. The best is yet to come. pic.twitter.com/5XUm3aj9Ja
— Larry Fitzgerald (@LarryFitzgerald) March 15, 2021
MAJOR CONGRATS!!! @drewbrees you was the last one left from the Class of 2001... Not bad for a 2nd Round QB that some said was too short to play the position. Way to silence the critics... HELL OF A CAREER... Now you can enjoy yourself on Sundays... 🥃🥃🥃 pic.twitter.com/qoVSB3qLFq
— Reggie Wayne (@ReggieWayne_17) March 14, 2021
Wow. DrewBrezzzyyy Man Much Respect And Love. Thank You For Everything You Brought To The Game And Most Of All To The Great State Of Louisiana!!! ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾 @drewbrees #LegendForever
— Jarvis Juice Landry (@God_Son80) March 14, 2021
. @drewbrees!!! Love you brother. What an honor to do life and football with you and your family. You made me a better husband, father and citizen. Congratulations! Thank you for your servant leadership. Truly one of a kind. pic.twitter.com/IelnRpdb3v
— Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) March 15, 2021
🐐‼️ pic.twitter.com/uk5x823AmM
— Mark Ingram II (@markingram21) March 15, 2021
Congratulations on an incredible career, @drewbrees. pic.twitter.com/aHIMLonUmp
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) March 14, 2021
Dreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!! Greatest Q B 1 Ever to touch the statline!!!!!! Dreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!! #1 pic.twitter.com/4HIW2xGhK0
— cameron jordan (@camjordan94) March 14, 2021
Congrats brotha!! And thank you for all that you have meant to so many, including me. Welcome to retirement. https://t.co/VzNwUTZNac
— Lance Moore (@LanceMoore16) March 14, 2021
From Purdue to the @Saints, @DrewBrees will always be 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗚𝗢𝗟𝗗 & 𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗞.
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) March 14, 2021
👏🏽 Thank you Drew. pic.twitter.com/irrZyvFIJR
We always enjoyed our battles with you, @drewbrees, whether it was as a Charger or as a Saint. 👏#ThankYouDrew pic.twitter.com/HxLcbDVLvP
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) March 14, 2021
One of the best to ever play the position. Congrats on a great career Drew Brees!
— Gerald Alexander (@GAlexander21) March 14, 2021
One of the best to ever do @drewbrees pic.twitter.com/JrNoCAVJdi
— Shawne Merriman (@shawnemerriman) March 14, 2021
The legend, my brotha @drewbrees.....respect!!
— Lance Moore (@LanceMoore16) March 14, 2021
We thank you, @drewbrees.
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) March 14, 2021
But, we won't miss you. pic.twitter.com/MkA0W9ak9o
It was a pleasure to complete against you. Welcome to retirement. pic.twitter.com/aXD5pdjBbg
— Eli Manning (@EliManning) March 14, 2021
