–
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has announced his retirement from the league after 20 seasons in the NFL.
Brees started the league in 2001 and retires as the league’s all-time leader in passing yards and pass completions.
The 42-year-old reportedly signed an offseason deal with NBC Sports.
Brees retires on the 15th anniversary of his signature as a free agent with New Orleans.
“After 20 years as a player in the NFL and 15 years as a Saint, it is time for me to retire from football,” wrote Brees in his statement. “I put my heart and soul into being your quarterback. Until the very end, I worked myself to give everything I had to the Saints organization, my team, and the great city of New Orleans. “
The future Hall of Famer hit pretty much every milestone during his two decades on the field, including winning a Lombardi Trophy and being named Super Bowl XLIV MVP with the Saints in 2009, as well as an All-Pro selection and 13 Pro Bowls.
Brees was also named Comeback Player of the Year in 2004 and Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2006.
Brees is one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history. He managed to throw more than 5,000 yards in five seasons. He is the only QB who has done this feat more than once.
