The Official Announcement: March 14, 2021
On March 14, 2021, Drew Brees ended months of speculation with an Instagram post announcing his retirement after 20 NFL seasons. The date held deep symbolism: it marked exactly 15 years since he signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2006. In a heartfelt video, his four children declared, “Our dad is finally going to retire so he can spend more time with us!”
Brees emphasized his enduring bond with New Orleans: “I am only retiring from playing football, I am not retiring from New Orleans.”
The Final Season: Injuries and Farewell
Physical Toll: Missed four games with 11 fractured ribs and a collapsed lung — his second major injury in two years after thumb surgery in 2019.
Last Game: On January 17, 2021, he threw three interceptions in a 30-20 playoff loss to Tom Brady’s Buccaneers. Post-game, he lingered on the field for hours, playing catch with his children — a poignant farewell.
Career Stats: Finished 2020 with a 70.5% completion rate (9th all-time) and 24 touchdown passes.
By the Numbers: Cementing a Legendary Legacy
Brees retired holding 13 NFL records, including:
- 80,358 passing yards and 7,142 completions — both all-time highs
- Five 5,000-yard seasons (no other QB has more than one)
- 74.4% single-season completion rate (2018), the highest ever
- Super Bowl XLIV MVP (2010), 13 Pro Bowl selections, two-time Offensive Player of the Year (2008, 2011)
Beyond Football: Reviving New Orleans
Post-Katrina Symbol: Arrived in 2006 amid the city’s recovery, transforming the Saints from a 3-13 team into Super Bowl champions within four years.
Philanthropy: Donated over $35 million to Gulf Coast communities through the Brees Dream Foundation, including COVID-19 relief.
Cultural Icon: Became synonymous with New Orleans’ resilience, investing in local businesses and participating in Mardi Gras traditions.
Life After Retirement: NBC and Beyond
NBC Sports Role: Joined as an analyst for Notre Dame football and Sunday Night Football, with plans to cover the Super Bowl and Olympics.
Coaching Stint: Served as an interim assistant coach at Purdue in 2022.
Community Commitment: Continues philanthropic work in New Orleans, affirming, “Now my real life’s work begins!”
Why His Retirement Resonated
Timing: Retired before Tom Brady surpassed his passing yards record (Brady trailed by just 1,154 yards at the time).
Unfinished Business: Despite nine playoff appearances with the Saints, he reached only one Super Bowl — a point of fan lament.
Emotional Exit: His children’s announcement video and tearful Superdome farewell symbolized a shift from athlete to family man.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did Drew Brees retire?
Drew Brees officially announced his retirement on March 14, 2021. The date marked 15 years since he signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2006. - Why did Drew Brees retire?
Brees retired after 20 NFL seasons due to the physical toll of the game, including multiple injuries in his final years. He wanted to spend more time with family and explore new opportunities. - What was Drew Brees’ last NFL game?
His final game was on January 17, 2021, in a playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He threw three interceptions in that game. - What did Drew Brees do after retirement?
He joined NBC Sports as an analyst for Notre Dame football and Sunday Night Football and continued his philanthropic work in New Orleans. - How old was Drew Brees when he retired?
Brees was 42 years old when he announced his retirement in March 2021.
Conclusion: The End of an Era
Drew Brees’ retirement closed a 20-year chapter defined by record-shattering precision, transformational community impact, and perseverance through injury. His March 14, 2021, announcement immortalized him as a New Orleans legend — one who redefined a franchise, uplifted a city, and exited with humility. As NBC’s cameras now capture his insights, Brees’ legacy endures: a testament to how greatness thrives when talent meets purpose.