Coach Sean Payton shares heartfelt message for Drew Brees after Hall of Fame announcement

Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

6 February 2026 at 21:00

Drew Brees capped one of the most remarkable careers in NFL history on Thursday, earning election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026. The longtime New Orleans Saints quarterback was voted in on his first year of eligibility, cementing his legacy among the game’s all-time greats.

Brees headlines a loaded class that also includes Larry Fitzgerald, who likewise earned first-ballot honors, former Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly, legendary kicker Adam Vinatieri, and former San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig, who was selected through the senior player category.

MORE: NFL MVP voter breaks silence on shocking Justin Herbert vote after internet meltdown

Oct 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees on the field for the coin toss against the Denver Broncos during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

After this huge achievement, Brees couldn’t believe what he had achieved after having an illustrious career. “It’s pretty surreal,” Brees said Thursday night in San Francisco. “There’s been a lot of reflection tonight. It’s an absolute honor and privilege to go into the Hall with these guys (in the Class of 2026).”

And right after the news about Brees landed, his former coach, Sean Payton, shared an emotional note for the Saints’ legendary QB on X. “He came when most were leaving…Set a bar so high for all of us….He lead immediately….He’s OUR 1st Ballot HOF QB! Congratulations, Drew Brees. Also, Congratulations to your wife, Brittany, Baylen, Bowen, Callen, and Rylen. It was an honor to have coached you,” Payton said.

He came when most were leaving…Set a bar so high for all of us….He lead immediately….
He's OUR 1st Ballot HOF QB!
Congratulations Drew Brees. Also, Congratulations to Your wife Brittany, Baylen, Bowen, Callen and Rylen. It was an honor to have coached you. pic.twitter.com/s6zKDcvj9L
— Sean Payton (@SeanPayton) February 6, 2026

Current Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton recruited Drew Brees to New Orleans in 2006, and the move helped reshape the franchise and eventually led to the pair winning a Super Bowl together.