His legacy includes a trail of accolades and accomplishments few can rival.
In 20 NFL seasons — 15 as a Saint, from 2006-20 — Brees totaled 80,358 passing yards (second in NFL history), 571 passing touchdowns (second), 7,142 completions (first), and led 172 wins (fourth) while completing 67.7 percent of his passes (third).
He was the Most Valuable Player in the Saints’ victory over Indianapolis in Super Bowl XLIV, was named All-Pro five times, was a Pro Bowler 13 times and twice was NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
He set NFL records for most touchdown passes in a game (seven) and the highest single-season completion percentage (74.4).
He earned the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2006, is a member of the Saints Hall of Fame, will be inducted into the Saints Ring of Honor, led the NFL in passing yards seven times, led the league in touchdown passes four times, was the league’s Comeback Player of the Year as a Charger in 2004 and led the Saints to seven NFC South Division titles, nine 10-win seasons and three NFC Championship Game appearances.
All of that made Thursday an inevitability.
But, still, a welcome one for the best player in Saints franchise history.