The best player in franchise history became that way in part because he wanted to be the best teammate in franchise history.

As former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees concluded a litany of truths — many of them comedic backstories about his early seasons with the Saints — during his Saints Hall of Fame induction speech on Thursday, the thread was that Weaving them all together, exactly what he wanted to be available to his boys.

“I learned so much playing professional football,” Brees said from the podium in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Riverside Hotel. “I learned about leadership, I learned about perseverance, I learned how to overcome adversity. But the thing I learned most about this game and about playing for this organization was how to be a great teammate. And I learned that because I was surrounded by great teammates. Every day.

Several of those teammates were in attendance Thursday, including tight end Jimmy Graham (Brees anchor), linebacker Jonathan Vilma, safety Roman Harper, linebackers Scott Shanle and Scott Fujita, running back Pierre Thomas, receiver Lance Moore, offensive lineman Jermon Bushrod and defensive end Jeff Charleston.

And with the Saints (2-4) scheduled to face Denver (3-3) hours later at Caesars Superdome, and several former Saints coaches now contributing to the Denver staff, including Broncos coach Sean Payton, Pete Carmichael, offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and offensive line coach Zach Strief stopped by to congratulate Brees.

“I’ve played probably four years longer than I ever could have expected,” said Brees, a Saints from 2006 to 2020 who is currently second all-time in the NFL in passing yards (80,358), touchdown passes (571) and degrees (7,142). and completion percentage (67.7). He holds the NFL record with a touchdown pass in 54 consecutive games.

“I was in the 17th grade^Th Season (2017) could honestly be my last season. I continued playing mainly because of my children, because I knew they would remember it for the rest of their lives. And now that they were old enough to understand, to see the things that shaped and strengthened me along the way.

“Being in the locker room and watching guys like Jimmy Graham, Michael Thomas and Zach Strief. Like so many guys who have just worked through so much, fought through so much and are just the same guy every day. That’s why I played these extras for years.

“But I also played those extra years because I woke up every day and said to myself, ‘I want to win for the guys in the locker room. I don’t want to let her down. I have too much to play with.’”

It was an appreciated addition. Brees started all 228 games he played in New Orleans and was the most valuable player when the Saints won Super Bowl XLIV. He also started 58 of 59 games for the San Diego Chargers.

“Drew was one of the reasons I came. He was one of the reasons we won the Super Bowl, the best team I ever had,” said Vilma, who was acquired by the Saints for two draft picks in 2008. “I can’t say enough about Drew and what it means to be here, that he is honored and that I am honored in his presence. They were the best years I had in my career.

“Drew was a big brother to me, and you provide for the family,” Thomas said. “Drew will always be a member of the family, just like all the guys I played with. We support each other – sometimes we write remotely or by phone, but I had the chance to be here in person to witness this moment for a while.” Man who actually deserves it.

“I would say he gave the city and the people hope. He showed us what it means to be a leader and that we can always count on him. “He showed the city the same thing and he did so much for them.” He showed that he was a man of compassion and hard work, a man of loyalty. He will always be a saint and people love him for that.

Brees, who is eligible for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026, said his induction into the Saints Hall of Fame is special.

“There is no greater organization to be a part of than the Saints Hall of Fame because of all the incredible people, all the incredible teammates that get to be a part of it,” he said. “And the moments we will continue to share as we watch our children and our families grow up together. We are always reminded of the years that truly shaped us.”

Along with Brees, longtime Saints press secretary Doug Moreau will be inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame as the winner of the Joe Gemelli Fleur De Lis Award, given to individuals who dedicate time and dedication to improving the franchise.