The Saints Hall of Fame has inducted former NFL quarterback Drew Brees.

The Saints Hall of Fame Welcomes Drew Brees

On Thursday, October 17, 2024, the New Orleans Saints officially enshrined former franchise quarterback Drew Brees into the team’s Hall of Fame during a special halftime ceremony at the Caesars Superdome. The induction, part of the Saints’ game-day festivities against the Denver Broncos, honored Brees’s unparalleled impact on the organization both on and off the field. As the first former player to etch his name into the Saints Hall of Fame Class of 2024, Brees joined the ranks of saints legends in a ceremony that celebrated his leadership, record-breaking performances, and profound connection to the city of New Orleans .

Origins of the Saints Hall of Fame

The New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame was founded in 1987 to recognize and preserve the legacies of the most impactful contributors to the franchise’s history. Originally housed in a museum that opened on July 16, 1988, in Kenner’s historic Rivertown district, the Hall of Fame displayed plaques, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits that chronicled the evolution of the Saints from expansion team to Super Bowl champions. In 2007, the museum relocated inside the Superdome, embedding the Hall of Fame within the heart of the team’s game-day home. While renovations and the COVID‑19 pandemic temporarily closed the museum in recent years, plans are underway to reimagine and relocate the Hall of Fame for future generations of fans .

Induction Criteria and Past Honorees

Selection for the Saints Hall of Fame is reserved for players, coaches, and contributors who have demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership, and longevity with the organization. Inductees are nominated by a committee of team historians, media members, and front-office personnel, and are chosen based on their statistical accomplishments, team success, and overall impact on the franchise’s culture. Previous inductees include standout players such as Devery Henderson and Fred McAfee, who were enshrined in 2021 after memorable careers defined by record-setting plays and pivotal postseason contributions .

Early Career and Arrival in New Orleans

Before becoming the face of the Saints, Drew Brees began his NFL journey as a second‑round pick (32nd overall) by the San Diego Chargers in the 2001 NFL Draft. Over five seasons with the Chargers, he completed 62.2 percent of his passes for 12,348 yards, 80 touchdowns, and 53 interceptions, earning a Pro Bowl nod and leading the team to the playoffs once. After a potentially career‑ending shoulder injury in 2005, Brees signed with New Orleans in 2006, a decision that would change the trajectory of both his career and the Saints franchise .

On‑Field Excellence with the Saints

From 2006 through 2020, Brees rewrote the Saints record books in nearly every passing category. He amassed 6,017 completions on 8,742 attempts, threw for 68,010 yards and 491 touchdowns, and maintained a sterling 101.5 passer rating, all franchise highs. His command of the offense under center transformed New Orleans into perennial contenders, and he became the embodiment of consistency, resilience, and precision in the pocket .

A Super Bowl Champion and MVP

Arguably the crowning achievement of Brees’s career came on February 7, 2010, when he led the Saints to their first and only Super Bowl title in franchise history. In Super Bowl XLIV against the Indianapolis Colts, Brees completed 32 of 39 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns, earning the game’s Most Valuable Player award. That victory not only delivered a long‑awaited championship to a city still recovering from Hurricane Katrina but also cemented Brees’s status as a clutch performer on football’s biggest stage .

NFL Record‑Breaker

Beyond his Saints franchise marks, Brees also ascended to the top echelons of NFL history. He retired second all‑time in career passing yards (80,358) and passing touchdowns (571), and he holds NFL records for the highest single‑season completion percentage (74.4% in 2018) and most consecutive games with a touchdown pass (54). His precision under center redefined expectations for quarterbacks and set new standards for efficiency and consistency league‑wide .

Championing the New Orleans Community

Off the field, Brees and his wife Brittany became pillars of the New Orleans community through the Brees Dream Foundation, which they founded in 2003. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Brees personally helped raise over $1.5 million to rebuild schools, parks, and playgrounds, and during the COVID‑19 pandemic, he donated $5 million to support local food banks. His hands‑on approach to philanthropy extended to healthcare, education, and youth sports initiatives, embodying the spirit of resilience and hope for which New Orleans is known .

Ceremony Details and Honorees

The induction ceremony unfolded during halftime of the Saints–Broncos Thursday Night Football matchup at the Superdome. Alongside Brees’s enshrinement, long‑time Saints announcer Doug Moreau received the prestigious Joe Gemelli “Fleur de Lis” Award for his decades of service to the organization. Fans in attendance witnessed Brees emerge onto the field to thunderous applause, surrounded by former teammates, coaches, and family members who joined him on the Dome turf for the official presentation .

Reactions from the Who Dat Nation

Social media buzzed with tributes from teammates, coaches, and fans alike. “Every time I step back in the Dome, I feel like I am part of the team. I still feel like I am a New Orleans Saint,” Brees remarked on the eve of his induction, a sentiment echoed by countless members of the Who Dat Nation. Current Saints players donned throwback No. 9 jerseys in practice, and season‑ticket holders cheered as Brees’s plaque was unveiled in a display honoring his career achievements .

Highlights of the Induction Speech

In his acceptance speech, Brees reflected on the journey from a young prospect doubted for his height and arm strength to becoming the face of a franchise. He paid homage to his family, coaches, and teammates, and dedicated the honor to the resilience of New Orleans. Emphasizing teamwork and faith, Brees urged current and future Saints to “play not for the name on the back but for the emblem on the front,” underscoring the values that defined his tenure with the team .

Transforming a Franchise

Prior to Brees’s arrival, the Saints had recorded only seven winning seasons, five playoff berths, and a single postseason win in their first 39 years. Under his leadership, New Orleans secured seven NFC South division titles, nine playoff appearances, three NFC Championship Game berths, and the franchise’s inaugural Super Bowl triumph. His influence extended beyond the stat sheet, instilling a winning culture and belief that continue to shape the organization’s identity today .

Reflections from Peers

Head coach Sean Payton, Brees’s longtime collaborator, lauded the induction as “a fitting tribute to a player who embodied everything we aspired to be.” Payton recounted drafting Brees amid the uncertainties of the post‑Katrina era and hailed their partnership as “the defining chapter in Saints history.” Teammates past and present cited Brees’s work ethic, precision, and unwavering belief in New Orleans’s revival as key factors in the team’s sustained success .

A Lasting NFL Legacy

Beyond his Saints tenure, Brees reshaped the quarterback position. His meticulous preparation, quick release, and unmatched accuracy influenced coaching philosophies and inspired a new generation of signal‑callers. As the holder of multiple NFL records and a perennial Pro Bowl selection, Brees’s impact resonates across the league, reaffirming his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history .

Conclusion: Forever a Saint

Drew Brees’s induction into the Saints Hall of Fame stands as a testament to a career defined by excellence, leadership, and community commitment. As his plaque takes its place among the franchise’s all‑time greats, Brees’s legacy will continue to inspire players and fans alike. In a city renowned for its resilience, he emerged not only as a champion on the field but as a beacon of hope off it—forever a Saint in the truest sense .