Drew Brees will be inducted into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame.

Below is a detailed look at Drew Brees’s impending induction into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame, charting the announcement, his career milestones, the induction ceremony itself, and the enduring impact he has had on the franchise and the city.

Drew Brees was unanimously selected, alongside long-time Saints broadcaster Doug Moreau, for induction into the Saints Hall of Fame in a press conference held on May 30, 2024—an announcement that cemented his status as a franchise icon and one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history . The club later confirmed that Brees would be the lone player honored in 2024 and that his induction would take place during a home game this fall, marking the 15-year quarterback’s official entry into Saints lore . His ceremony unfolded at halftime of Thursday Night Football against the Denver Broncos on October 17, 2024, in front of the Caesars Superdome crowd .

Announcement and Unanimous Selection

On May 30, 2024, Saints leadership, including owner Gayle Benson and head coach Dennis Allen, convened a press conference to reveal that Drew Brees and Doug Moreau would join the Saints Hall of Fame as the Class of 2024 . The unanimous vote by the club’s selection committee underscored not only Brees’s on-field accomplishments but also his off-field leadership and community engagement in New Orleans. Less than six months later, the Saints confirmed Brees would be the lone inductee, ensuring full focus on his storied career during the formal recognition at a marquee home contest .

Career Milestones and Legacy

Early Career and Arrival in New Orleans

After being drafted by the San Diego Chargers in 2001, Brees suffered a shoulder injury in 2005 that left his future in doubt. The Chargers released him, opening the door for New Orleans to sign the then-33-year-old free agent in March 2006 . In his first season under coach Sean Payton, Brees led the Saints to a stunning turnaround, posting 4,418 passing yards and steering the team to its first NFC Championship Game just one year removed from a 3-13 campaign .

Record-Breaking Performances

Over 15 seasons in black and gold, Brees rewrote virtually every Saints passing record. He led the NFL in passing yards seven times, topped the league in touchdown passes four times, and produced five of the nine 5,000-yard seasons in league history . By the time of his retirement, he had amassed 80,358 career passing yards—then second all-time behind only Tom Brady—and 571 touchdown passes, ranking second in NFL history . A 13-time Pro Bowl selection, Brees was also named AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2011 after a record-setting 5,476 yards and 46 touchdowns .

Leadership and the Super Bowl Triumph

Beyond statistics, Brees’s tenure is defined by leadership and resilience. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, he and Payton became symbols of hope, guiding a city’s revival with each comeback victory. Three years after his arrival, Brees led the Saints to their first and only Super Bowl championship, defeating the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 in Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 . He posted a near-perfect passer rating (111.1) in that game and earned MVP honors, forever etching his name into franchise history.

The Road to the Saints Hall of Fame

Selection to the Saints Hall of Fame requires not only on-field excellence but also character and service to the community. Brees’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2006 highlighted his philanthropic efforts, including rebuilding youth football fields and supporting local charities post-Katrina. Over the years, his charitable foundation invested millions into healthcare, education, and youth initiatives across Louisiana, reinforcing his bond with the region.

Ceremony Highlights and Induction Event

Halftime Ceremony Details

On October 17, 2024, during the Saints’ Thursday Night Football matchup with the Denver Broncos, the Caesars Superdome dimmed its lights at halftime as Brees and Moreau were escorted to midfield. Team owner Gayle Benson presented Brees with a commemorative blazer, and a portrait depicting him clutching the Lombardi Trophy was unveiled to thunderous applause . The moment recognized not only his statistical achievements but the sense of unity he fostered throughout the city.

Speeches and Presentations

Before the game, Brees was the guest of honor at a Hall of Fame luncheon attended by hundreds of Saints legends, local dignitaries, and former teammates. Benson remarked, “Your arrival in New Orleans in 2006 was the dawn of a new era for our franchise,” acknowledging his transformative impact . Former tight end Jimmy Graham added, “He gave us all hope and gave everybody hope to bring the city back to what it is today” . Brees himself reflected, “It’s been a joy and it reminds you of why we play this game…to be the best and bring home championships” .

Reactions from Teammates and Fans

As Brees led the crowd in a rendition of the famed “Who Dat?” chant, emotions ran high across the Superdome. Sean Payton, then head coach of the Broncos and Brees’s long-time collaborator, made a surprise appearance at the luncheon before quipping on the field, “Let’s be honest, enough of the pleasantries, we’ll see you guys in about four hours” . Fans in attendance flooded social media with tributes, sharing memories of Brees’s comebacks, records, and community service.

Community Impact and Enduring Legacy

Drew Brees’s influence extends far beyond wins and statistics. His voluntary work in the aftermath of Katrina, scholarship programs for underprivileged students, and engagement with youth football have left an indelible mark on New Orleans. Benson summed it up at the ceremony: “Beyond the statistics, what truly sets you apart is your character. You showed us the power of hard work, humility, and dedication” . Even in retirement, Brees continues to serve as a goodwill ambassador, embodying the spirit of resilience that defines both him and the city he helped uplift.

Summary of Additional Insights

Drew Brees’s post-Hall of Fame induction life has been marked by continued community engagement, a foray into broadcasting, and ongoing contributions to the city of New Orleans through his foundation, all of which further cement his multifaceted legacy both on and off the field. His Brees Dream Foundation has donated over $35 million since 2003 to causes ranging from hurricane recovery to pediatric healthcare . After retiring in March 2021, Brees spent one season as an NFL studio and game analyst for NBC’s Sunday Night Football, before departing in May 2022 . On the personal front, he and his wife Brittany, married since 2003, share four children and remain deeply involved in philanthropic work, including their joint $5 million donation during the COVID-19 pandemic .

Post-Retirement and Broadcasting Career

NBC Sports Tenure

Following his retirement on March 14, 2021, Brees inked a deal with NBC Sports to serve as both a studio analyst on Football Night in America and a game analyst for Notre Dame football broadcasts . Despite initial optimism about his broadcasting prospects, he exited NBC after just one season, with Yahoo Sports reporting his departure on May 15, 2022 . His brief tenure included work alongside Mike Tirico and Maria Taylor, but creative differences and a crowded analyst pool led to a mutual parting of ways .

Coaching at Purdue

In late 2022, Brees returned to his alma mater, Purdue University, as an interim assistant coach ahead of the Citrus Bowl, marking his first official coaching role since retirement . This short-term engagement allowed him to mentor young quarterbacks and share insights gleaned from a 20-year professional career.

Philanthropy and Community Initiatives

The Brees Dream Foundation

Founded in 2003 by Drew and Brittany Brees, the Brees Dream Foundation initially supported cancer research in memory of Brittany’s aunt . Since relocating to New Orleans in 2006, the foundation expanded its mission to include hurricane recovery, youth athletics, and educational programs. It has contributed over $35 million worldwide, including $5 million in July 2020 toward building community health centers in partnership with Ochsner Health .

Rebuilding After Katrina

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Brees and his foundation committed nearly $2 million to rebuilding schools, parks, and playgrounds in New Orleans, with a landmark $450,000 donation to refurbish Lusher Charter School’s facilities . Their Operation Kids partnership restored academic and athletic infrastructure, impacting thousands of children across the region .

COVID-19 Relief Efforts

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Drew and Brittany donated another $5 million to support frontline healthcare in Louisiana, aiding Ochsner Health’s rapid response in severely affected communities . This gift exemplified their ongoing commitment to the health and welfare of New Orleanians beyond the football field.

Family and Personal Life

Drew Brees met Brittany at Purdue University in 1999 and they married in July 2003; the couple has three sons and a daughter . Brittany remains his closest partner in both life and charity work, often appearing alongside him at fundraisers, Hall of Fame ceremonies, and community events. The family resides in New Orleans’s historic Uptown district, where they have extensively renovated their home and embedded themselves in the local culture .

Records, Rankings, and NFL Legacy

By the time of his Hall of Fame induction, Brees held 54 NFL records, including career passing yards (80,358) and completion percentage (67.7 percent) . He led the league in passing yards seven times, threw for over 5,000 yards in five seasons, and registered 571 touchdown passes—second only to Tom Brady at the time of his retirement . A 13-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time AP Offensive Player of the Year, Brees’s statistical dominance remains a benchmark for modern quarterbacks .

Comparison with All-Time Greats

While frequently compared to contemporaries Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, Brees’s precision passing and leadership during New Orleans’s post-Katrina resurgence set him apart as a transformative figure. Analysts rank him among the top five quarterbacks in NFL history, applauding his consistency and impact under pressure . His completion percentage and single-season yardage feats often surface in debates about the evolution of the passing game in the 21st century.

Cultural Impact and Fan Engagement

Dubbed the “Patron Saint of New Orleans,” Brees became intertwined with the city’s identity. He lived within city limits—unlike many players who chose suburbia—earning deep fan loyalty and symbolizing resilience . His leadership of the “Who Dat?” chant at his Hall of Fame ceremony exemplified the emotional bond between QB and community. Social media lit up with tributes recounting his signature comebacks and humanitarian deeds.

Future Honors and Continuing Legacy

Beyond the Saints Hall of Fame, talk has begun about retiring his No. 9 jersey and potentially enshrining him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot—an honor expected for someone of his achievements . His foundation’s BuildStrong Academy, launched in 2022, offers vocational training in construction trades, reflecting his commitment to sustainable community development .

Conclusion

Drew Brees’s Hall of Fame induction was far from the culmination of his influence. From record-setting performances and Super Bowl glory to philanthropic leadership and brief coaching and broadcasting stints, his multifaceted legacy continues to evolve. As New Orleans looks to the future, Brees’s enduring impact—on and off the gridiron—remains a testament to his excellence, character, and profound bond with the city he helped to heal and inspire.

Drew Brees’s induction into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to a career defined by excellence, leadership, and profound community commitment. From his historic arrival in 2006 through record-shattering seasons, a Super Bowl triumph, and countless acts of service, Brees’s legacy transcends football. The halftime ceremony on October 17, 2024, not only honored his on-field feats but celebrated his role in the soul and resurgence of New Orleans—a legacy that will endure for generations to come.