Drew Brees has called it a career after 20 seasons in the NFL, the last 15 of which he spent with the New Orleans Saints. A 13-time Pro Bowler, one-time Super Bowl champion and perennial record-holder, the 42-year-old quarterback announced on Sunday that he has played his down down of competitive football. Brees announced his retirement on the 15th anniversary of his signing with the Saints.
While many assumed the Saints’ loss to the Buccaneers in the divisional round of the playoffs was the final game of his career, Brees waited two more months before officially announcing his retirement. Brees announced his retirement via a post on his Instagram account.
“I’ve always tried to play this game with a great respect and a great reverence for it,” Brees said.
“I appreciate all that this game has given to me. There are obviously so many incredible memories, so many incredible relationships that have come as a result of playing this game.”
Brees departs the NFL as one of the most accomplished signal-callers in league history. He hangs up the cleats as the NFL’s all-time leader in career passing yards, completions and completion percentage, not to mention five All-Pro honors, two Offensive Player of the Year awards and the Super Bowl XLIV MVP.
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