Saints’ Drew Brees praises Sean Payton, Mickey Loomis after HOF induction

Drew Brees didn’t seem destined for Canton, Ohio when his NFL career began in 2001. The second-round draft pick wasn’t an incredibly accurate quarterback with the then San Diego Chargersand after enjoying a breakout campaign in 2004-05, an injury to his throwing shoulder halted his progress and put his future in serious doubt. The Bolts were hesitant to make a firm commitment to Brees, but he did New Orleans Saints recognized its potential. And the rest is history.

The Super Bowl 44 MVP is in a particularly reflective mood after being officially announced as a member 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class. While everyone is praising his legendary ride, he is making sure to acknowledge it his former general manager and head coach.

“None of this is possible without Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis,” Brees told reporters after the NFL honors, according to the Saints’ official X account. “Believing in me at a time when it was hard for me to believe in myself, after that injury. But those guys saw something in me, believed in me, and then they equipped me and empowered me to be the best I could be. Without that trust and belief in me, this wouldn’t have happened.”

“None of this is possible without.” @SeanPaiton and Mickey Loomis,”

– @DrevBrees pic.twitter.com/1J16E6sI9u

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) February 6, 2026

The last-place Saints pursued Brees at a time when both sides were at a crossroads. After the 2005 tragedy that was Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans desperately needed a reason for hope. Watching the little KB from Purdue lead one of the worst franchises in NFL history to the most prosperous part ever was the best medicine they could realistically receive during this recovery period. Number 9 accepted the responsibility of representing a city he was desperate to heal.

“I know New Orleans was looking for a quarterback back then, but I promise you, I needed New Orleans more than New Orleans needed me,” he said. “I had a chance to be a part of something so special that most guys don’t get a chance to be a part of.”

The Saints galvanized the entire community in 2010 when they beat the Indianapolis Colts to win the first Lombardi Trophy. Brees maintained his elite level for nearly another decade. During his 15-year tenure with the team, he surpassed 5,000 passing yards five times and threw for at least 32 touchdowns in nine consecutive seasons. He currently ranks second all-time in both passing yards and TDs.

Brees won’t just have a Hall of Fame bust. He will forever be known as the man who helped a broken city prosper. If Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis had not offered this Texan a contract, then one of the greatest sports stories of the 21st century would not have been told.

These two men should expect a heartfelt tribute when Drew Brees gets his golden jacket this summer.