BREAKING: Former Saints QB Drew Brees , now with Commanders, leaves a message for Gayle Benson and the entire New Orleans that……

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees waves to his family and fans after an NFL divisional round playoff football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in New Orleans. The Buccaneers won 30-20. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

In a stunning and emotional turn of events, Drew Brees, the legendary former New Orleans Saints quarterback, who made his return to the NFL with the Washington Commanders for the 2025 season, has shared a heartfelt message for Gayle Benson and the entire city of New Orleans. The announcement, which has captured the attention of Saints fans everywhere, comes after Brees’ unexpected decision to leave the franchise he led to a Super Bowl championship and call Washington his new home.

Though his return to the NFL may have surprised many, Brees’ note is nothing short of emotional, deeply personal, and filled with gratitude toward the city and organization that helped shape his legendary career.

A Heartfelt Goodbye to the New Orleans Saints

Brees, who retired in 2021 after an illustrious 20-year career—spending 15 seasons with the Saints—has always been more than just a football player to the city of New Orleans. He became an icon, a symbol of hope and resilience for a community still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina when Brees arrived in 2006. Under his leadership, the Saints achieved unprecedented success, culminating in the franchise’s first Super Bowl win during the 2009 season.

But as the 2025 season looms, Brees, now with the Washington Commanders, has turned the page on his New Orleans chapter—yet not without offering his deepest thanks to the people and the organization that defined his career.

In a message released on his social media platforms and to media outlets, Brees shared his reflections and gratitude, writing:

“To Gayle Benson, the entire New Orleans Saints organization, and the incredible fans of New Orleans—this isn’t goodbye, but rather a note of gratitude.

I’ve often said that the city of New Orleans is my second home, and it will forever hold a special place in my heart. What we built together over the years—the passion, the memories, the triumphs, and even the heartbreaks—will always be cherished. There is no greater honor than representing this city, this team, and this community.”

Reflecting on a Legendary Career with the Saints

Brees’ time in New Orleans was marked by both individual greatness and collective success. His name is etched in the Saints’ record books in virtually every meaningful category: most career passing yards, passing touchdowns, completions, and more. But his leadership and presence were just as significant as his on-field accomplishments. Brees not only redefined the quarterback position for the Saints but also helped redefine the city’s relationship with football.

From his incredible Super Bowl victory in 2010, where he was named Super Bowl MVP, to the countless seasons of record-breaking performances, Brees’ legacy in New Orleans goes beyond just his statistics. He became a symbol of perseverance and belief for a city that had endured so much.

Through highs and lows, Brees led by example. He remained the face of the franchise, earning the respect and admiration of his teammates and coaches. His consistent leadership on the field, combined with his tireless charity work off of it, endeared him to the people of New Orleans in ways that transcended sports.

A Special Note to Gayle Benson

While Brees thanked the city and its fans, he also shared a particularly special message for Gayle Benson, the owner of the New Orleans Saints, who has carried the torch for the organization since the passing of her husband, Tom Benson, in 2018. Under her leadership, the Saints have maintained a winning tradition, and Brees expressed deep gratitude for her support during his time in New Orleans.

“Gayle, you’ve been an incredible leader for this organization and for the city,” Brees continued in his message. “You’ve guided this team with grace, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. I’m forever thankful for your trust in me and the support you showed throughout my career. The culture we built together is something I’ll always cherish, and I will never forget the many conversations we shared about the future of this team and what it meant to all of us.”

Brees’ relationship with the Benson family has been integral to his time with the Saints. Gayle Benson has been a stabilizing force for the team, ensuring that the franchise remained competitive while still being deeply committed to the community. Under her ownership, Brees helped lead the Saints to countless winning seasons and, ultimately, a Super Bowl championship.

The Fans: A City’s Heartbeat

No message from Brees would be complete without recognizing the passionate New Orleans Saints fans who cheered him on through thick and thin. From the energy of the Superdome to the spirit of the streets during the team’s playoff runs, Brees understood that the fans of New Orleans were not just spectators—they were a vital part of the team’s success.

“To the fans of New Orleans: You are truly the heartbeat of this team. The love and support you’ve shown me, my family, and the team have been immeasurable. From the first day I arrived to the final moment I took the field as a Saint, I’ve always felt like I was part of something bigger than myself. Thank you for embracing me as one of your own. I am so proud to have called New Orleans home. I carry that pride with me, always.”

For the fans of New Orleans, Brees is not just a former quarterback—he is a hero, a leader, and a figure who helped bring pride back to a city that had known its share of hardship. His legacy will forever be interwoven with the culture of New Orleans football.

Brees’ New Chapter with Washington

As Brees embarks on this new chapter of his career with the Washington Commanders, his decision to return to the NFL has left many wondering what role he will play. Though he spent nearly two years in retirement following his legendary playing career, Brees has made it clear that his passion for the game remains strong. His decision to join Washington could mean a new role in a different capacity—whether it’s as a mentor to younger quarterbacks or contributing to the team’s overall development in some way.

The Commanders have long been in search of stability, and the arrival of a proven leader like Brees is seen as a major step forward for the franchise. While many fans will undoubtedly be disappointed to see him leave New Orleans, there is no question that Brees’ decision to play again reflects his deep love for the game.

A Legacy That Will Last Forever

Drew Brees’ impact on New Orleans and the Saints will never be forgotten. His legacy as a player, leader, and community advocate is one that will be remembered for generations. Even as he moves on to a new team, the bond between Brees and New Orleans remains unbreakable. His message of gratitude to Gayle Benson and the Saints fans is a testament to the deep connection he shares with the city that helped shape his career.

No matter where Brees’ journey takes him next, one thing is clear: New Orleans will always be his home, and he will always be a part of the Saints’ legacy. As the NFL world watches his next steps with Washington, one thing remains certain—Drew Brees will forever be intertwined with the spirit of New Orleans, a city that gave him everything and to which he gave it all in return.

Conclusion

Drew Brees’ emotional message to Gayle Benson and the fans of New Orleans serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact athletes can have on a city. While his time with the Saints has come to an end, his legacy in New Orleans is set in stone, and the gratitude he has expressed for the city speaks volumes about the deep connection he shares with the people who embraced him as one of their own. As Brees steps into a new role with the Washington Commanders, his heart will always remain in New Orleans, the city that defined his legacy and where his story as a football legend began.