New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees announced his retirement on Sunday.
The 42-year-old Brees is the NFL’s all-time leader with 80,358 career passing yards and 7,142 completions. His 571 touchdowns rank second to Tom Brady’s 581.
Brees spent the past 15 seasons (2006-20) with the Saints after playing his first five campaigns with the San Diego Chargers. He was a 13-time Pro Bowl selection.
“Til the very end, I exhausted myself to give everything I had to the Saints organization, my team, and the great city of New Orleans,” Brees said in his announcement on Instagram. “We shared some amazing moments together, many of which are emblazoned in our hearts and minds and will forever be a part of us. …
“I am only retiring from playing football, I am not retiring from New Orleans. This is not goodbye, rather a new beginning.”
Brees led New Orleans to its lone Super Bowl championship following the 2009 season.
–Field Level Media
