Drew Brees will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, becoming the fifth New Orleans Saint to earn football’s most prestigious honor.

We asked prominent New Orleanians what the former Saints quarterback meant to them and the city during his legendary 165-year tenure with the team.

“Drew Brees gave so much more to our organization than extraordinary football. He brought leadership, integrity, humility, and an unwavering belief in what the New Orleans Saints — and our entire community — could become. He helped restore hope and pride during one of the most important chapters in our city’s history, and he did so with grace both on and off the field. Tom and I will always be grateful for everything Drew, Brittany, and their family have meant to our organization and to the people of New Orleans. His place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a fitting honor for a truly remarkable player, leader, and person.” — Gayle Benson, owner/CEO, New Orleans Saints

“In sports, like in music, a lot of guys think they’re that and don’t handle it and realize they’re not. Drew was who we thought he was. After 42 years of futility, it finally all came together for us. And San Diego’s lack of faith was our gift.” — Branford Marsalis, Grammy Award-winning saxophonist

“Drew Brees means so much to New Orleans, because he gave this city far more than championship football. He’ll always be remembered as the quarterback who led the Saints to their first Super Bowl victory, but just as importantly, he’ll be remembered for how deeply he and Brittany embraced this community and gave back to it. I first met Drew and Brittany years ago when I was a television reporter, and they were exactly the kind, genuine people everyone says they are. Their commitment to New Orleans has always felt authentic. One of my favorite moments as mayor was having the opportunity to recognize Drew’s upcoming Hall of Fame induction and toast him from Gallier Hall during Mardi Gras this year. In true Drew fashion, he immediately broke into a Saints chant, leading the crowd that enthusiastically joined in. It was another reminder that his bond with New Orleans extends far beyond football, it’s something truly special. Drew Brees didn’t just bring New Orleans its first Super Bowl. He helped this city believe again, and that’s a legacy that will last far beyond football. — Helena Moreno, New Orleans mayor

“Drew brought hope and leadership to New Orleans when it needed it most. The city was having its resurgence throughout the city, and he was vitally important in that moment. I was at that first game (Sept. 25, 2006). I remember it well, tears and all. The emotion. He held that light for us to follow through those dark moments.” – Donald Link, chef, Link Restaurant Group.

“Drew Orleans, baby. He meant everything to the city. Everything you think a quarterback should be, he was, without the electric monikers as they come. He was as efficient as they come. He was the best version of himself. He gave everything he had to the game. As a teammate you couldn’t be more proud of him.” – Cam Jordan, Saints multi-time Pro Bowl defensive end.

“Drew Brees was the Ted Williams of the NFL. He did one thing better than anyone who ever played the game. He was the most accurate passer that ever lived. We were all fortunate to get to watch him.” — James Carville, longtime political analyst.

“Drew’s drive for excellence still inspires our work at the Sports Foundation. His pregame ritual of going through his receiver reads is a lesson to all of us about the mental preparation necessary to succeed. I have always been fascinated by how athletes like Drew are able to dig deep and find the motivation to be the absolute best, year in and year out. Lucky for us, he was driven by love of the game and a special love of New Orleans.” – Jay Cicero, President & CEO, Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation.

“Not only does he love/eat/enjoy charbroiled oysters, but with his hard work, determination and dedication, Drew Brees has made a lasting impact on New Orleans by supporting youth sports, education and families through charitable donations and his volunteer work. His commitment inspires myself and others to use our success to make a positive difference. The Saints and New Orleans were blessed to have Drew Brees as captain of team NOLA.” – Tommy Cvitanovich, owner, Drago’s Seafood Restaurants.

“I always admired Drew’s leadership style. He was able to inspire his teammates through his work ethic, preparation and competitiveness. People follow leaders who are deeply committed to the cause and care about you as a person. Drew was someone his teammates didn’t want to disappoint, which is how great leaders inspire people to be the best they can be. Those years with Drew and Sean (Payton) were Camelot.” – Doug Thornton, longtime Superdome manager

“Besides being a great athlete, Drew’s commitment to the New Orleans community, the fans and the team was exceptional. And, also, he’s just a great human being.” — Emeril Lagasse, chef, Emeril’s Restaurant Group

“When I break down quarterbacks, the three most important things are accuracy, processing and toughness. Drew checked every box. Height was never a factor. Drew proved that. And off the field, Drew understood what being the Saints quarterback meant to the city (of New Orleans). He did a great job there.” — Archie Manning, former star quarterback for Ole Miss and the Saints

“What I appreciate about Drew Brees the most is his love of his family. Besides being a great champion and warrior, he’s a great husband and father. I’m proud to call him a friend.” – Harry Connick Jr., Grammy Award-winning pianist

“The standard he set every day — first one in, last one out. Everything was elite with Drew. Elite preparation. Elite (practice) reps. Elite leadership. You see that every day from somebody — every-day elite pursuit of greatness — you have no choice but to try to emulate that or just get the hell out of the way.” — Terron Armstead, former Saints Pro Bowl tackle

“First-ballot Breezy. As a person, as a football player, as a husband, as a father, he was first-ballot in all those ways. You talk about a guy who exemplifies what it is to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, both on the field and in life, that’s what Drew is.” — Mark Ingram, former Saints Pro Bowl running back

“It was a little different for me, because I was aware of the situation at Miami because I knew coach (Nick) Saban. So I knew about Drew pre-New Orleans. The thing that impressed me so much in talking to those involved at that point was the way he was able to physically and mentally overcome the (shoulder) injury that he had. I was told that not just anybody could do that and it would take a special person that would physically be able to go through the pain and the rehabilitation to get himself back to a place to play.  That speaks volumes to young players about perseverance and overcoming and the ability to not let a situation control you. But instead, you do all that you can do to control the situation. The example that he set for that is invaluable to the athletes going through difficulty or just going through the process of trying to play this game.  

“He came at a time when we were looking for something very positive. He brought that to the table. Again, the overcoming aspect of his demeanor permeated through our community and won him a very special place in the heart of New Orleanians. Obviously his play was inspiring. You’re looking at a guy who theoretically shouldn’t have played in the league. He was too short. He didn’t run very fast. But he had great mental capacity and vision and that allowed him to be successful. He didn’t allow his negatives to overcome his positives. And the rest of it is history.  — J.T. Curtis, legendary high school football coach at John Curtis Christian School

“Drew won New Orleans over right from the start with his decision to come to the city at its lowest point. Even for a wealthy professional athlete, the city presented real everyday challenges. Joining us in that struggle to recover said a lot about Brees the man. He took to New Orleans quickly and earnestly, with a keen understanding of how much the team meant to its fans, especially at such a dark time. He made us believe right from the start: if he had the ball in his hands, the Saints had a chance. And he delivered, leading the Saints to their first NFC championship game in his first year, and then that glorious Super Bowl championship three years later. With his pinpoint accuracy, committed leadership and tireless work ethic, Brees helped to transform a franchise, and a city. He was a winner, and by extension, made all of us winners, too. He gave Who Dat Nation a decade and a half of thrills and cherished memories that will last a lifetime. And now, the bust that reflects his pro football immortality will reside in Canton for all of time, and the accomplishments that sent Drew there will live in the hearts and minds of Saints fans, myself included, forever. — Stan Verrett, former ESPN anchor 

“I’ve learned a lot from Drew Brees over the last 20 years. And, I look forward to continuing to learn from him for many years to come. When Drew first came to the Saints in 2006, I don’t remember having any expectations. In my mind, he was just another quarterback. What I do remember is a moment during those mundane offseason check in activities. Drew reinforced the philosophical outlook I followed as a little white dude in the NFL. Success was less about size and strength, and more about mindset, preparation, and how you trained. The medical training room was crowded. The staff was checking players’ height, weight, blood pressure, joint issues, and all the other glamorous details of professional football. Then, Drew walked in carrying a jump rope. The details are a little foggy, but I remember guys immediately questioning him. “Hey, Drew, recess is over, buddy boy. Unless you wanna play some Double Dutch!” Naturally, things became competitive. Guys started wondering how many double jumps Drew could do. I told him, “I’ll bet you dinner you can’t do 25.” With everyone watching, he gathered himself, and busted out 25 double jumps. But, he didn’t stop. He kept rolling. As he finished his 50th, he looked at me, and said, “I like sushi, Gleason.” That dinner was the start of a friendship I’m enormously grateful for. It was also one of my first lessons from Drew Brees. He never needed to tell you how prepared he was. He showed you. And, if you underestimated him, you might end up buying dinner. What I appreciate most about Drew is that he puts people, brotherhood, and solidarity over individual performance. When Drew and coach Payton arrived in New Orleans, it was a welcome shift. Drew didn’t simply lead a team. He forged a brotherhood. Drew has taught me that anything is possible. And, through his friendship over the past 15 years, he’s helping me continue to live that way. I love Drew.” — Steve Gleason, former Saints special teams captain.