In 2006, quarterback Drew Brees was without a contract from the Dolphins due to his surgically-repaired shoulder. Despite this, the Saints saw something in him and decided to sign him. Now, eighteen years later, Brees has been elected to the Saints’ Hall of Fame. His partnership with coach Sean Payton marked the beginning of a new era for the city in the wake of a devastating hurricane. The first home game of the regular season, a thrilling Week 3 Monday night win over the Falcons, signaled a positive change for the struggling franchise.
Brees joined the Saints in 2009 after three years with the Chargers. During his time with the Chargers, he struggled to secure the starting position due to the presence of Philip Rivers. It was during his final game with the Chargers that Brees suffered a shoulder injury, leading the Dolphins to pass on offering him a contract. This allowed the Saints to capitalize on the opportunity and bring Brees on board. The union of a mending quarterback with a recovering city led the Saints to new heights that many had never thought possible.
Three years after Brees joined the Saints, they achieved their first Super Bowl victory in 2010. Although they did not return to
