Drew Brees is going to the Pro Football Hall of Fame with his legacy fully intact.
The 47-year-old former quarterback will be the first quarterback enshrined since Peyton Manning in 2021 and for good reason: Brees won the Offensive Player of the Year award twice, retired as the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards and has the most 5,000-yard single seasons in NFL history (five). To top it all off, he made a franchise that was known as a losing one into a winning one, leading them to their lone Super Bowl while clinching a playoff appearance in nine of his 15 seasons there.
Brees retired following the conclusion of the 2021 season and he’s made it very clear the wear and tear that his right arm went through over the years — which included his torn labrum injury at the end of the 2005 season — which led to his retirement.
In preparation for his official induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Brees spoke to Heavy Sports while making an appearance at Raising Cane’s in Canton, Ohio and addressed whether or not he ever — or would ever — consider a Philip Rivers-like comeback to the NFL after retiring. Rivers — Brees’ former teammate with the Los Angeles Chargers franchise — made a return to the NFL last season after five years away and started several games for the Indianapolis Colts.
“My body, my mind, everything feels like I could absolutely still get out there,” Brees told Heavy Sports. “Unfortunately, right shoulder, right wrist aren’t in great shape. I got all the mileage that I possibly could.”
Drew Brees Still Played at Elite Level During Final Season in 2020
Brees actually had a long career in the NFL despite the injury issues during the end of his stint with the Chargers during the 2005 season. The Pro Football Hall of Famer played through the 2020 season until the age of 42. During the 2020 season, Brees was still playing at a high level, leading the New Orleans Saints to a 12-4 record and a division title.
During that season, Brees threw 24 touchdowns against six interceptions for a 106.4 passer rating.
While Brees was still playing at a high level, he has not hid at all just how much his right arm degenerated to the point where it was hard for him to throw the ball down the field by that point in his career.
“When I had the major right shoulder surgery back in ’06, Dr. Andrews basically told me I’ll put you back together, just wear out the tires as much as you can,” said Brees. “Just know that you’re on a fast track to a degenerative shoulder after this. I’ll probably have to get a shoulder replacement at some point, but I’m hanging on as long as I can.”
All things considered, Brees had a tremendous career that places him among the very best quarterbacks the game has ever seen. As of this writing, Brees ranks second in touchdowns and passing yards only to Tom Brady.
As Brees put it bluntly, he “got all the mileage” that he could out of his arm. It’s the reason why he never considered a comeback in the five years since he’s been retired.
Drew Brees Celebrates Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction With Raising Cane’s
Brees spent the morning serving fans and Saints greats such as Willie Roaf, Rickey Jackson and Morten Andersen Raising Cane’s food to celebrate his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“It’s been a whirlwind of emotions over the past few months. These five days are all about showing my appreciation to all the people who paved the way. It’s our responsibility to pass that along and leave the game better than we found it,” said Brees.
Considering Brees played 15 seasons in New Orleans — which isn’t that far from Baton Rouge where the restaurant’s origins are along with founding owner Todd Graves — the all-time great quarterback is very familiar with the food.
“It was great having Drew out to Cane’s today to celebrate his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame tomorrow. Drew is great athlete and even better friend, and this recognition honors his leadership, talent and achievements over an incredible 20-season career,” said Graves. “I’ve been a Saints fan all my life and I always loved watching Drew play. He’s a pillar of the Community and always puts others first. I’m thankful for our friendship and for everything Drew has done for the people of Louisiana.”
Drew Brees Drops Truth on If He Would Ever Consider Philip Rivers-Like Comeback