Drew Brees elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame

By Ross Jackson

SAN FRANCISCO – The voters got it right.

Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He will be inducted later this year as part of the Class of 2026.

#9, Drew Brees, Hall of Famer. 🐐

📺 NFL Honors on NBC/NFL Network pic.twitter.com/Ea8CgcaJvj

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) February 6, 2026

Brees, the second all-time leader in career passing yards and completions, has the most 5,000-yard passing seasons (5) in NFL history. 

He is officially, as many expected he would be, a first-ballot Hall of Famer, the first first-ballot inductee in Saints history. He joins 10 former Saints in Canton.

Brees spent 15 years in New Orleans, leading the team to its first Super Bowl championship at the conclusion of the 2009-10 season where he was named Super Bowl XLIV MVP. 

The quarterback finished his career with two Offensive Player of the Year awards, 13 Pro Bowl nominations and five All-Pro recognitions. 

“Drew’s work ethic, preparation and passion for the game helped launch the New Orleans Saints to new heights,” said Saints Owner Gayle Benson. “Drew raised the standard for excellence throughout our entire organization and established a culture of leadership and accountability that continues to guide us today. He elevated everyone around him and earned the deepest respect of all players, coaches, and staff across the organization. In addition to his exceptional performance on the field and the victories he led, highlighted by the Super Bowl XLIV championship, Drew’s impact extended well beyond the game. Through his commitment to community service and leadership off the field, he played a significant role in inspiring and strengthening the Gulf South. Drew is unquestionably a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer, and we congratulate him as he rightfully takes his place among the greatest players in the history of the National Football.”

“For 15 years, Drew Brees represented New Orleans Saints football perfectly,” said Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis. “When we signed him in 2006, he played an important role in transforming our franchise. Drew set the standard for the quarterback position not only within our organization, but across the National Football League – a standard defined by his performance, his preparation, and his leadership. We congratulate Drew on his first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Fame selection.”

Brees appeared in 287 career games over his 20 total years in the league. During that time, he completed 67.7% of his passing attempts for 80,385 passing yards and 571 passing touchdowns with a career passer rating of 98.7.