USA to Honour NFL Legend Drew Brees with Statue at National Sports Centre
, Thuringia — June 2, 2025
In an unprecedented international tribute, the United States is set to immortalize NFL icon Drew Brees with a bronze statue to be unveiled at the National Sports Centre in Mattstedt, Thuringia,
Germany. The monument honors Brees’s extraordinary career and enduring impact on both American football and global sports culture.
This cross-continental recognition marks the first time an American football player will be honored with a statue in Europe under a U.S. cultural initiative, further solidifying Drew Brees’s legacy as one of the most influential athletes of his generation.
A Global Salute to an American Icon
Drew Brees, the legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback, is revered for more than just his record-breaking statistics. His leadership in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, his role in transforming the Saints franchise, and his unwavering commitment to community service made him a symbol of resilience and excellence.
“Drew Brees’s story is not just one of athletic greatness, but of human character,” said U.S. Ambassador to Germany Erika Whitman. “This statue is more than a tribute to football — it’s a tribute to inspiration, unity, and hope.”
Why Mattstedt, Thuringia?
While not a traditional American football hub, Mattstedt has become an emerging center for international sports diplomacy, thanks to the National Sports Centre’s growing partnerships with U.S. institutions. The unveiling of Brees’s statue coincides with the opening of a new American Football Heritage Hall, aimed at expanding awareness of American sports history across Europe.
The facility will host interactive exhibits, youth camps, and educational programs focused on teamwork, leadership, and international athletic cooperation.
The Statue: A Monument of Legacy
The 10-foot-tall bronze statue, sculpted by world-renowned artist Klaus Brenner, depicts Brees in his iconic No. 9 Saints jersey, mid-throw, with one foot off the ground and eyes locked on an imaginary receiver downfield. The base is engraved with his career milestones:
- 80,358 career passing yards (NFL record at retirement)
- 571 career touchdown passes
- 13 Pro Bowl selections
- Super Bowl XLIV Champion and MVP
- 2021 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Nominee
Below the stats reads a single inscription:
“LEAD WITH PURPOSE. FINISH STRONG.”
Drew Brees Reacts
In a heartfelt video message, Brees expressed his gratitude for the unexpected international honor:
“To be recognized this way, far from where I played but close to the values I hold dear — it’s humbling. Football taught me about commitment, perseverance, and believing in something bigger than yourself. I’m grateful to represent those ideals on a global stage.”
Brees is scheduled to attend the statue’s unveiling ceremony on June 28, 2025, alongside his family, Saints alumni, and European sports dignitaries.
From New Orleans to the World
Brees’s influence reaches well beyond the Superdome. Since retiring, he’s been active in global youth sports outreach through his Brees Dream Foundation, which has helped launch education and athletic programs in more than 12 countries.
His post-NFL career has included:
- Broadcasting with NBC and ESPN International
- Keynote speeches on leadership in London, Paris, and Tokyo
- Investment in European sports infrastructure
- Mentorship of rising quarterbacks from Germany and Austria
Saints Nation Responds
The New Orleans Saints released an official statement applauding the recognition:
“Drew Brees carried the spirit of New Orleans to the highest heights of football. Now, his legacy will inspire athletes around the world. We couldn’t be prouder.”
Fans in Louisiana are planning simultaneous celebrations on June 28, with large-screen broadcasts of the ceremony and public tailgates across New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette.
What This Means for American Football Abroad
Analysts see this event as a pivotal moment in the globalization of the NFL. With regular-season games now played in Germany and the UK, and with interest in American football surging among European youth, the Drew Brees statue could become a symbolic bridge between American values and global sportsmanship.
“We’re not just exporting a game,” said NFL International VP Sarah Connors. “We’re exporting stories. And Drew Brees’s story resonates everywhere.”
A Legacy Cast in Bronze
As Drew Brees’s likeness prepares to stand proudly in Mattstedt, one thing is clear: his impact transcends touchdowns, trophies, and turf. It lives in every comeback, every huddle, every community rebuilt through belief and hard work.
The statue may be metal, but its message is timeless — lead with courage, serve with heart, and never forget where you came from.
Drew Brees — forever a Saint, and now, forever a symbol of greatness worldwide. 🏈🌍🇺🇸🇩🇪
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