Social Media Reacts to Drew Brees' Retirement

On Sunday afternoon, after 20 NFL seasons and 15 with New Orleans, Saints quarterback Drew Brees officially announced his retirement from football on Instagram. The post featured a heartfelt message from the NFL's All-Time leader in passing yards, along with a video of his four kids telling the world that their dad was "finally retiring to spend more time with them."

While the official retirement announcement did not come as a surprise, the social media world flocked to their devices Sunday night. Many were offering congratulatory messages and words of appreciation for the long-time leader of the New Orleans Saints.

CURRENT AND FORMER TEAMMATES

Teammates both past and present congratulated the Super Bowl XLIV MVP on his NFL career. Some also sung his praises as a teammate, leader, family man and friend.

Man these past 3 years have gone by extremely fast and honestly, I’m somewhat speechless.

Firstly, Congratulations on HOF career! The time and energy you devoted to this game you’ll now get to invest it into your family, and all the other countless opportunities that await you. pic.twitter.com/gbqigcVXdW
— Demario Davis (@demario__davis) March 15, 2021

More Drew Brees appreciation from players: pic.twitter.com/1w5R0ybV9S
— John Hendrix (@JohnJHendrix) March 14, 2021

"What an honor and privilege these last 5 years have been to be blessed with the opportunity to line up and play on the same team as you,"

- a thank you note from @CantGuardMike to @DrewBrees #ThankYouDrew pic.twitter.com/sfOdYeWtGI
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) March 15, 2021

. @drewbrees!!! Love you brother. What an honor to do life and football with you and your family. You made me a better husband, father and citizen. Congratulations! Thank you for your servant leadership. Truly one of a kind. pic.twitter.com/IelnRpdb3v
— Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) March 15, 2021

From 2009 when I signed with the Saints as a 22 yr old boy until a 34 year old man today, you’ve taught me so much & it was an honor being your teammate for 5 years. You and I were always competing! Words can’t even being to describe how much the @nfl is going to miss @drewbrees. pic.twitter.com/m2Zd4RHooU
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) March 14, 2021

SPORTS MEDIA

Brees also received praise from the local and national media. Some reminiscing on their favorite moments with the future Hall of Fame quarterback while others made their case for No. 9 to go down as one of the greatest of all time.

"An absolute living legend." @nateburleson says congrats to @drewbrees on an incredible career 🥂 pic.twitter.com/5dEpmqAlID
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) March 15, 2021

Candid conversations in massive moments are so rare because people like Brees are so rare. He knows how big of a deal he is. And he rolls with it in a humble but honest way. I was a 25-year-old rookie reporter, and he treated me like I was Peter King. I'll just never forget it.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) March 15, 2021

Going to miss chasing after Drew Brees for any interview!
An incredible leader who is always a pro no matter the situation. This league will not be the same without #9 #Saints pic.twitter.com/KbQIpYYAHD
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 14, 2021

FANS

Finally, the Who Dat Nation said so long to their beloved leader of 15 years. The New Orleans Saints posted a video to social media showcasing what Brees meant to the fans and the city of New Orleans.

“There’s a loyalty that Drew Brees brought to this team,”

Fans spoke about what Brees’ meant to them at his last game ⚜️#ThankYouDrew pic.twitter.com/hbWqknDrNr
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) March 14, 2021

I can’t accurately put into words what Drew Brees meant to me, so I won’t even try.

⚜️THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING⚜️ @drewbrees you came to a struggling franchise in the middle of a destroyed city and you built it brick by brick from the ground up. You are a living legend. #WhoDat
— Logan Thompson (@Logan_BEB) March 15, 2021

We will always be special.
We will always smell greatness.
We will always finish strong.

We are New Orleans thanks to you.#ThankYouDrew @drewbrees
— WhoDat in TN (@WhoDatTN) March 15, 2021

On Monday morning following his retirement announcement, Brees joined Hoda Kotb on NBC's TODAY SHOW announcing his next chapter would begin with the NBC family. Initial reports state that the 20-year NFL veteran will join Sunday Night Football as a studio analyst. Brees will also serve as a game analyst for Notre Dame.

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