Drew Brees is finally saying farewell to the playing field.
One of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, Brees announced his expected retirement Sunday afternoon. The Saints legend left an indelible mark on not only New Orleans but the entire league. Brees walks away as the all-time leader in passing yards and second in touchdowns after a 20-year career filled with highlights and memorable moments.
Naturally, many in the NFL community and beyond responded to the news with appreciation for the future Hall of Famer.
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
The opening statement at Drew Brees' introductory press conference 15 years ago ⚜️#ThankYouDrew pic.twitter.com/gSXO3jS2Pp
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) March 14, 2021
“I am forever grateful for what he has done for our team, our community, and for me personally,"
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) March 14, 2021
- @SeanPayton on @DrewBrees ⚜️#ThankYouDrew pic.twitter.com/aNDyxnfJ8H
Mrs. Benson on @DrewBrees ⚜️#ThankYouDrew pic.twitter.com/pXuaa1CV6Y
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) March 14, 2021
Mickey Loomis on @DrewBrees ⚜️ pic.twitter.com/X2RZOqZXqk
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) March 14, 2021
There will never be another Drew Brees ⚜️#ThankYouDrew pic.twitter.com/iQ2eOiV5Wz
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) March 14, 2021
“There’s a loyalty that Drew Brees brought to this team,”
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) March 14, 2021
Fans spoke about what Brees’ meant to them at his last game ⚜️#ThankYouDrew pic.twitter.com/hbWqknDrNr
March 14, 2006: Drew and Brittany Brees announce Drew has signed with the Saints ⚜️
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) March 15, 2021
March 14, 2021: Brees' children announce their dad has retired from the NFL 🏈 pic.twitter.com/sHlplb8gML
The @MBSuperdome tonight ⚜️#ThankYouDrew pic.twitter.com/gdqI62rNQV
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) March 15, 2021
congrats on an incredible career + happy retirement, @drewbrees!
— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) March 14, 2021
the league will miss you 💛 pic.twitter.com/cgBZZmL5C9
We thank you, @drewbrees.
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) March 14, 2021
But, we won't miss you. pic.twitter.com/MkA0W9ak9o
Respect 🤝 #ThankYouDrew pic.twitter.com/9Ii7HBYZH8
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) March 14, 2021
Congrats on retirement, @drewbrees!
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) March 14, 2021
Peyton didn't have time for another video, but figured this would do. 😅 pic.twitter.com/s5g0EA8JO5
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
Congratulations on an incredible career, @drewbrees. pic.twitter.com/aHIMLonUmp
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) March 14, 2021
Congratulations on a fantastic career, @drewbrees. pic.twitter.com/sP1DEGK5w9
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) March 15, 2021
Congrats on an amazing career, @drewbrees! 👏
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) March 15, 2021
Best of luck in retirement! pic.twitter.com/14EID0bgNc
Congrats to @drewbrees on a wonderful career.
— NFL (@NFL) March 14, 2021
We'll always remember your excellence on the field and your leadership and generosity in the community to revitalize the City of New Orleans & the Saints.
We wish you, Brittany, and your children all the best in your next chapter. pic.twitter.com/Nmjh7E7gRF
With the news of @drewbrees' retirement today, he would first be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2026.@Chargers I @Saints pic.twitter.com/xoksMLNYZV
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) March 14, 2021
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
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
It was a pleasure to complete against you. Welcome to retirement. pic.twitter.com/aXD5pdjBbg
— Eli Manning (@EliManning) March 14, 2021
Congrats, @drewbrees, on one hell of a career. It was always a pleasure to watch you compete as a fan and not a pleasure competing against you as a player. Lol, Enjoy the next chapter of life because I’m sure it will be as complete and enjoyable as the last!!
— Michael Strahan (@michaelstrahan) 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
Happy retirement legend!! The game will miss you @drewbrees #AllDay pic.twitter.com/fgF5pEHgr9
— Adrian Peterson (@AdrianPeterson) March 14, 2021
Congratulations on an unbelievable career @drewbrees!! Thank you for inspiring a kid from Austin to chase his dreams.
— Baker Mayfield (@bakermayfield) March 14, 2021
Amazing career Drew Brees it was a pleasure playing with you and against you brotha ENJOY ....
— LeSean Shady Mccoy (@CutonDime25) March 14, 2021
@drewbrees!!! LEGENDARY‼️ love ya dawg much respect 🐐‼️
— Mark Ingram II (@markingram21) March 14, 2021
One of the best to ever do @drewbrees pic.twitter.com/JrNoCAVJdi
— Shawne Merriman (@shawnemerriman) March 14, 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
Thank you for so many special moments 🤜🏽🤛🏽 pic.twitter.com/TQIQbmdxVs
— Jimmy Graham (@TheJimmyGraham) March 15, 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
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
when I first met Drew Brees we were both days out of shoulder surgeries in 2006, months after Katrina, rehabbing together in Birmingham. he told me he wanted to bring a championship to the city of New Orleans. he did that! Congrats on a great career. enjoy retirement, @drewbrees
— Donté Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) March 14, 2021
From 2009 when I signed with the Saints as a 22 yr old boy until a 34 year old man today, you’ve taught me so much & it was an honor being your teammate for 5 years. You and I were always competing! Words can’t even being to describe how much the @nfl is going to miss @drewbrees. pic.twitter.com/m2Zd4RHooU
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) March 14, 2021
Congrats on retirement @drewbrees HOF career, but more importantly a better person.
— G1 Savage (@kennyvaccaro) March 14, 2021
You all know @drewbrees as a competitor, philanthropist and a family man. I saw that, but also saw his leadership and sacrifice on behalf of our union for players past, present and future. Before he was a super bowl champion, Drew, along with his fellow executive committee ... pic.twitter.com/GyNuIrqSKf
— DeMaurice Smith (@demauricesmith) March 14, 2021
Congratulations on an outstanding football career. We’re proud to have you in our Boilermaker family! 💛🖤
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) March 14, 2021
Enjoy your time with Brittany, Rylen, Bowen, Baylen and Callen.#BoilerUp 🚂 / #ThankYouDrew 👏 pic.twitter.com/PAGvDZhoaT
Thank you @DrewBrees - we are forever grateful for what you and your family have done for this city ⚜️#ThankYouDrew pic.twitter.com/TzqEJD2pqx
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) March 14, 2021
