After 20 seasons in the National Football League, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has announced his well-deserved retirement with a cheery video featuring his young children and a heartwarming message for his Saints fans. 

According to the NFL, Brees led his team to the Pro Bowl 13 times, won AP Offensive Player of the Year twice, won the 1006 Walter Payton Man of the Year award, and brought home a Super Bowl trophy and Most Valuable Player award in 2006. Statistically, Brees presents an equally impressive record, with 80,358 passing yards, 571 touchdowns, and a 67.7 completion percentage. 

Brees was drafted into the NFL in 2001, where he joined the Los Angeles Chargers after his record-setting Big Ten career at Purdue University. In 2006, Brees began a six-year deal with the Saints that resulted in an extraordinary 15-years that brought life back to Louisiana football. 

Known for his passion and charitability, Brees established the Brees Dream Foundation in 2003, raising money and support for cancer patients. His organization partnered with Operation Kids in 2007 to rebuild schools and athletic facilities after Hurricane Katrina caused $125 billion in damage to the city of New Orleans. 

Despite Brees’ height and arm, rendering him a weaker player to many prospective teams, his true talent and drive earned him the reputation he has today, as a strong Saints leader, doting father, and charitable citizen.