Drew Brees says Hall of Fame weekend is his chance to thank Who Dat Nation
Saints fans arriving in Canton say watching Brees helped carry them through New Orleans’ recovery after Hurricane Katrina.
CANTON, Ohio (WVUE) - Drew Brees is entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but the former Saints quarterback said he does not view this weekend as a celebration of himself alone.
As more Saints fans arrived Thursday in Canton, Brees said he wants to use the events leading to Saturday’s enshrinement to thank the people who helped him reach football’s highest honor.
“The way I really look at it is this is my opportunity to convey my appreciation and gratitude to so many of the people, the places that were a part of this journey,” Brees said.
Brees spoke with reporters Thursday alongside the other four members of the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.
He said the five-day celebration could become a blur after months of preparation and stress.
“I think what we’ve been told is that, you know, it’s going to be five days. That’s just a total blur, you know, but really try to enjoy the moment,” Brees said.
Brees said he is most looking forward to seeing those who shared the journey and letting them know how much they mean to him.
“That’s what I’m most looking forward to, is all the people I’m going to have a chance to see and appreciate and let them know just how valued they are,” Brees said.
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Saints fans wearing Brees jerseys and other black-and-gold gear continued gathering outside the Pro Football Hall of Fame after the museum closed Thursday evening.
For some, the trip to Canton is about more than football.
One fan recalled rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina during Brees’ first season in New Orleans.
“His first year here we were gutting houses, you know, tearing up my office floor and stuff like that from Monday to Saturday,” the fan said. “And then Sundays I got to go to the Superdome and watch Drew do his thing. And that’s what carried me, you know, through all that.”
The fan said reaching the Super Bowl completed a journey that began during the city’s recovery.
“And then we got to the Super Bowl and, you know, that was it,” he said.
Another Saints fan in Canton said he attended the Saints’ Super Bowl victory and would not miss Brees’ enshrinement.
“We went to the Super Bowl and was there on that great day,” the fan said. “And it’s a great day today. Drew has done a lot for the city.”
Brees said he understands that he will represent more than himself and his family Saturday. His enshrinement also will represent the Who Dat Nation, Louisiana and San Diego, where his NFL career began.
The connection between Brees, New Orleans and Saints fans has remained a central part of Hall of Fame week.
Brees will be presented by former Saints coach Sean Payton during Saturday’s enshrinement ceremony.
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