If this is it for Drew Brees, he’ll be leaving the NFL with a mountain of respect from players around the league. That extends to his former teammates, like Jimmy Graham — who thanked the New Orleans Saints quarterback for showing him the ropes, saying “I’m proud to be one of your greatest creations.” Brees connected with Graham on 54 touchdown passes back in the day, including the playoffs, and it’s obvious Graham still harbors a lot of goodwill towards him.
Another NFL star who saluted Brees was Tyrann Mathieu, who was a big-time high school recruit in New Orleans at the time Brees was first turning the Saints around. Mathieu experienced the chaos of Hurricane Katrina firsthand, and remembered how the Saints’ success around Brees galvanized the city. He added, “None of us are perfect but he was close.”
These probably aren’t the only well-wishes we’ll see Brees receive in the months ahead. He hasn’t officially announced his retirement. His Hall of Fame candidacy is still years away. But expect more anecdotes like these as Brees’ legacy continues to grow.
@drewbrees what a legacy! I’m proud to be one of your greatest creations. I’m grateful everyday for the confidence you instilled in me from my first day to our last. I’m still heart broken 💔 the last was too soon! Now bring the kids it’s time to learn to fly with uncle JG 🚁🛩🚀
— Jimmy Graham (@TheJimmyGraham) January 18, 2021
Being from New Orleans Drew Brees meant everything to us in that city….. at many times our only hope, you know to smile & feel good, to live in a winning reality…. that man gave us all life…. none of us are perfect but he was close Salute !! #9Forever @drewbrees
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) January 18, 2021
