Drew Brees' Hall of Fame speech focused on Sean Payton, city of New Orleans
NBC Sports • • general
Key Points:
- Drew Brees, a first-ballot Hall of Famer, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Canton, concluding a 20-year NFL career with 80,358 passing yards and 571 touchdowns, ranking second all-time in both categories.
- Brees earned 13 Pro Bowl selections, two NFL Offensive Player of the Year awards, and won Super Bowl XLIV, where he was named MVP.
- In his lengthy induction speech, Brees expressed deep gratitude to New Orleans and coach Sean Payton, crediting them for revitalizing his career after a severe shoulder injury and free agency uncertainty.
- Brees highlighted the mutual healing between himself and the city of New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina, emphasizing the importance of community, resilience, and the bond between the Saints and their fans, known as the Who Dat Nation.
- He described the quarterback position as an art form and a role of great responsibility, reflecting on his journey and the pride he felt representing New Orleans on and off the field.
