Drew Brees Inducted into NFL Hall of Fame

Former Texas high school star joins 2026 class of football legends

Feb. 8, 2026 at 4:39pm

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Drew Brees, the former star quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame on Thursday during the NFL Honors awards show. Brees, who played 20 seasons in the NFL, threw for over 80,000 yards and 571 touchdowns, and led the Saints to a Super Bowl victory in 2010.

Why it matters

Brees' induction into the Hall of Fame cements his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. His journey from a standout high school player in Texas to a Super Bowl champion and future Hall of Famer is an inspiring story for aspiring athletes.

The details

Brees was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the 2001 NFL Draft and played there for five seasons before signing with the New Orleans Saints in 2006. It was in New Orleans where Brees cemented his legendary status, playing 15 seasons with the team and winning a Super Bowl in 2010. Brees said he wouldn't be where he is without the belief and confidence of Saints general manager Mickey Loomis and head coach Sean Payton.

  • Brees led Westlake High School to the 1996 5A Division II championship, the first in the program's history.
  • Brees was picked by the San Diego Chargers in the 2001 NFL Draft.
  • Brees signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2006.
  • Brees won the Super Bowl MVP award in 2010.
  • Brees was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2026.

The players

Drew Brees

A former star quarterback who played 20 seasons in the NFL, throwing for over 80,000 yards and 571 touchdowns. He led the New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl victory in 2010 and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2026.

Mickey Loomis

The general manager of the New Orleans Saints, who believed in Brees and helped him cement his legacy with the team.

Sean Payton

The head coach of the New Orleans Saints, who also believed in Brees and helped him become one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

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What they’re saying

“This is still pretty surreal. Moment by moment, it becomes more real. There's that first knock on the door, and all of a sudden, there's Dan Fouts in his gold jacket telling you that you're the next member of the Hall of Fame.”

— Drew Brees (cw39.com)

“Without that confidence and belief in me, this would have never happened. I know New Orleans was looking for a quarterback, but I needed New Orleans more than they needed me.”

— Drew Brees (cw39.com)

The takeaway

Drew Brees' induction into the NFL Hall of Fame is a testament to his incredible career and the power of belief and confidence. His journey from a standout high school player to a Super Bowl champion and future Hall of Famer is an inspiring story that will continue to motivate aspiring athletes for years to come.