On Thursday, October 17, 2024, the New Orleans Saints officially enshrined former franchise quarterback Drew Brees into the team’s Hall of Fame during a special halftime ceremony at the Caesars Superdome. The induction, part of the Saints’ game-day festivities against the Denver Broncos, honored Brees’s unparalleled impact on the organization both on and off the field. As the first former player to etch his name into the Saints Hall of Fame Class of 2024, Brees joined the ranks of saints legends in a ceremony that celebrated his leadership, record-breaking performances, and profound connection to the city of New Orleans .
Origins of the Saints Hall of Fame
The New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame was founded in 1987 to recognize and preserve the legacies of the most impactful contributors to the franchise’s history. Originally housed in a museum that opened on July 16, 1988, in Kenner’s historic Rivertown district, the Hall of Fame displayed plaques, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits that chronicled the evolution of the Saints from expansion team to Super Bowl champions. In 2007, the museum relocated inside the Superdome, embedding the Hall of Fame within the heart of the team’s game-day home. While renovations and the COVID‑19 pandemic temporarily closed the museum in recent years, plans are underway to reimagine and relocate the Hall of Fame for future generations of fans .
Induction Criteria and Past Honorees
Selection for the Saints Hall of Fame is reserved for players, coaches, and contributors who have demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership, and longevity with the organization. Inductees are nominated by a committee of team historians, media members, and front-office personnel, and are chosen based on their statistical accomplishments, team success, and overall impact on the franchise’s culture. Previous inductees include standout players such as Devery Henderson and Fred McAfee, who were enshrined in 2021 after memorable careers defined by record-setting plays and pivotal postseason contributions .
Early Career and Arrival in New Orleans
Before becoming the face of the Saints, Drew Brees began his NFL journey as a second‑round pick (32nd overall) by the San Diego Chargers in the 2001 NFL Draft. Over five seasons with the Chargers, he completed 62.2 percent of his passes for 12,348 yards, 80 touchdowns, and 53 interceptions, earning a Pro Bowl nod and leading the team to the playoffs once. After a potentially career‑ending shoulder injury in 2005, Brees signed with New Orleans in 2006, a decision that would change the trajectory of both his career and the Saints franchise .
On‑Field Excellence with the Saints
From 2006 through 2020, Brees rewrote the Saints record books in nearly every passing category. He amassed 6,017 completions on 8,742 attempts, threw for 68,010 yards and 491 touchdowns, and maintained a sterling 101.5 passer rating, all franchise highs. His command of the offense under center transformed New Orleans into perennial contenders, and he became the embodiment of consistency, resilience, and precision in the pocket .
A Super Bowl Champion and MVP
Arguably the crowning achievement of Brees’s career came on February 7, 2010, when he led the Saints to their first and only Super Bowl title in franchise history. In Super Bowl XLIV against the Indianapolis Colts, Brees completed 32 of 39 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns, earning the game’s Most Valuable Player award. That victory not only delivered a long‑awaited championship to a city still recovering from Hurricane Katrina but also cemented Brees’s status as a clutch performer on football’s biggest stage .