Steve Gleason Pays Heartfelt Tribute as Drew Brees Earns First-Year Pro Football Hall of Fame Nomination

Steve Gleason Pays Heartfelt Tribute as Drew Brees Earns First-Year Pro Football Hall of Fame Nomination

The New Orleans Saints community is once again celebrating one of its greatest icons, as former quarterback Drew Brees has been officially nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Among the flood of congratulatory messages, one stands out — a powerful and emotional tribute from Steve Gleason, the former Saints safety turned inspirational figure, who shared heartfelt words about his longtime friend and teammate.

Taking to social media, Gleason reflected on Brees’ impact not only as an athlete but as a person whose leadership and character transcended football. “Greatness isn’t just measured in stats,” Gleason wrote. “@drewbrees, you’re the greatest leader I’ve been around. Uniting teammates to be resilient when no one else believed, inspiring us to smile under pressure while doing extraordinary, and resurrecting a community. More than all of that, a dear friend. HOF? Duh… I love you brother.”

The message struck a chord across the football world. Coming from Gleason — who is revered in New Orleans for his blocked punt in 2006 that symbolized the city’s rebirth after Hurricane Katrina and for his ongoing fight against ALS — the words carried a special weight. His tribute served as both a reminder of Brees’ legendary playing career and his immeasurable role in helping lift an entire city from despair to hope.

Brees, who retired after the 2020 season, is one of the most decorated quarterbacks in NFL history. He sits second all-time in passing yards (80,358) and passing touchdowns (571), trailing only Tom Brady. A 13-time Pro Bowler, Super Bowl XLIV MVP, and the face of the Saints’ first-ever championship in 2010, Brees redefined what consistency, precision, and leadership looked like at the quarterback position.

Yet, as Gleason emphasized, Brees’ legacy cannot be summed up by numbers alone. He arrived in New Orleans in 2006, just months after the devastation of Katrina, and instantly became more than just the Saints’ quarterback — he became a symbol of resilience for the city. From charitable efforts through the Brees Dream Foundation to his unwavering visibility as a leader in the community, he helped restore pride to New Orleans when hope was in short supply.

For Saints fans, the nomination feels like a formality. Many believe Brees is destined to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, with his name joining the ranks of football immortals in Canton, Ohio. His bond with the city and teammates like Gleason, however, is what sets him apart from others.

As tributes continue to pour in from former players, coaches, and fans alike, Gleason’s message perhaps captures Brees’ essence better than any stat sheet could. The words echo the truth that for New Orleans, Drew Brees was never just a quarterback — he was, and remains, a beacon of perseverance, friendship, and hope.

The official Hall of Fame class announcement will come later in 2025, but for the Saints and their supporters, the outcome already feels clear: Drew Brees’ gold jacket is only a matter of time.