Saints QB Drew Brees retires from NFL after 20 seasons: 'I am not retiring from New Orleans'
 

Freshly minted New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton launched into a recruiting pitch that altered the course of the franchise, and the city itself, forever.

The Saints wined and dined Drew Brees, a free-agent quarterback coming off a shoulder injury so debilitating Brees himself thought his career might be over. They drove through deserted, devastated parts of New Orleans that appeared untouched since Hurricane Katrina unleashed hell across the region six months earlier.

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Miami disregarded Brees and his shoulder as damaged goods, so Payton and the Saints committed to No. 9 a few days later; and for 15 years they put together one of the greatest offenses in NFL history — turning a pitiful franchise into a Super Bowl champion and a perennial contender.

And now, after all those memorable moments, the Saints’ greatest player is hanging up his cleats.

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Re: Drew Brees Officially Announces Retirement
 

Re: Drew Brees Officially Announces Retirement
 

Well it finally happened and I have to say I think it was the right call and the right time.

Thanks for everything Drew! You put your heart and soul into the Saints and it showed. Never seen a QB with more heart and more drive to succeed.
When the rest of the team was poor, it was still awe inspiring watching him sling the rock and tearing apart defenses.

Enjoy your retirement and once again, thanks for making Saints football exciting.

Re: Drew Brees Officially Announces Retirement
 

I agree with all of this. Thank you Drew for all you’ve done for the team and the city. Now it’s time to move on but not forget.

Re: Drew Brees Officially Announces Retirement
 

Our greatest era is over. Back to mediocrity.

Re: Drew Brees Officially Announces Retirement
 

Was expecting this and can't agree more that its time, but it still hits hard. All the years he spent here. What he did for this fan base and the city. I will truly miss not seeing #9 suit up in black and gold. Im excited for the future but will be leaving in the past for awhile. Thank you Drew.

Re: Drew Brees Officially Announces Retirement
 

Thank you to Drew Brees for all you’ve done. I’m so glad that I travelled 3,000 miles to get to see him play in the Superdome! It’s a memory that I will cherish forever.

Re: Drew Brees Officially Announces Retirement
 

I could not agree more. He was not just a qb but the face of NO. He brought this city back to life after Hurricane Katrina. I wish him the best but the Saints will never be the same. Now back to Aaron brooks and billy joe tolliver....

Re: Drew Brees Officially Announces Retirement
 

He Deserved a better send off than that crappy no-fan season. God Bless Drew. Best QB the Saints will ever have.

Re: Drew Brees Officially Announces Retirement
 

I would be lying if I said I didn't want him to play another year!