New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton joined the franchise in 2006 not long before quarterback Drew Brees was signed as a free agent.
The combination of Payton and Brees helped the Saints earn their first Super Bowl victory in 2009 and break several NFL records along the way.
Payton reflected on what Brees meant to him following the quarterback’s announcement that he would retire Sunday.
“When I was hired by the Saints as head coach in 2006, the very first goal was to establish a functional and winning culture,” Payton said in a statement. “In doing so, it was vital to know what we were looking for in a player, talent, work ethic, makeup, intelligence and leadership are all qualities we found in Drew Brees. We also found a player with a burning desire to win. Within a year, he helped lead our team to the club’s first NFC Championship appearance.
“Throughout his career, his consistency and dedication to excellence were unparalleled. In a very short period of time, he would help lead a region to recovery and a team to a Super Bowl Championship. He was a magnificent leader both on and off the field. His attention to detail and competitive spirit were infectious. For all of us that have had the chance to coach him, it has been our privilege, we are better for it.
“I am forever grateful for what he has done for our team, our community and for me personally.”
Other members of the Saints organization shared their memories of Brees as well.
“Drew Brees has been integral part of our franchise since joining our team in 2006 and his contributions to our organization and to our entire community will continue to be passed down,” Saints Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis said. “During his time with the Saints, we have had the opportunity to see Drew immediately transform our franchise, help it continue to grow to where he would help us contend year-in and year-out for championships and set a standard for the quarterback position. He has developed a lasting legacy not only as a player, but more importantly as a person. We are fortunate to have had him in a Saints uniform for so long and we salute Drew on a Hall of Fame career and thank him and Brittany for their contributions to our club and community.”
“Drew Brees has been remarkable in all facets of his career,” said Saints President Dennis Lauscha. “His career accomplishments and leadership skills have been well-documented and for good reason. He has been incredible to work with from my perspective because he really understands the business of professional football. He is incredibly bright and insightful and his contributions to helping move our organization forward and where we wanted to go on the business side were as impressive to me as some of the things he accomplished on the field. He is a great ambassador for our city, state and region and I am confident he will continue to make positive impacts here locally. It has been our incredible fortune to watch his daily efforts and commitment and on behalf our entire organization, we are eternally grateful for everything he has done and wish him well. He will always be a Saint.”
