Drew Brees once again made a big impact on Sunday morning, only this time it had nothing to do with throwing touchdowns. After 20 years of playing in the NFL, and the majority of those years with the New Orleans Saints, 42-year-old Brees has decided to hang up his cleats and officially announced his retirement. The legendary quarterback leaves with an impressive number of accolades under his belt, and though many may wonder what is next for the superstar, it appears Brees already has his calendar booked up for the foreseeable future.
Dropping a personal message on social media, Drew Brees proved that he is a class act all the way up until the end with a touching goodbye.
“After 20 years as a player in the NFL and 15 years as a Saint, it is time I retire from the game of football. Each day, I poured my heart & soul into being your Quarterback,” Brees began.
Related to what you're reading:
He continued, “Til the very end, I exhausted myself to give everything I had to the Saints organization, my team, and the great city of New Orleans.”
Addressing the loyal fans in New Orleans, Drew Brees, who remains the all-time leader in career passing yards, wrote:
“We shared some amazing moments together, many of which are emblazoned in our hearts and minds and will forever be a part of us. You have molded me, strengthened me, inspired me, and given me a lifetime of memories.”
He added, “My goal for the last 15 years was striving to give to you everything you had given to me and more.”
As for what Drew Brees plans to do with his free time, the QB explains, “I am only retiring from playing football, I am not retiring from New Orleans. This is not goodbye, rather a new beginning. Now my real life‘s work begins!”
The “real work” may have something to do with the other message delivered on Bree’s social media account, as his 4 children lent a hand in saying goodbye to the fans.
“Our dad is FINALLY going to retire … so he can spend more time with us, yay!” the kids shouted with glee.
They’ve earned it, and so has Drew Brees.