The next step for Drew Brees is the formality.
But, since nomination necessarily precedes enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, that pass was completed Wednesday.
Brees, who spent 15 seasons of his 20-year NFL career with the New Orleans Saints and currently ranks second all-time in league history in passing yards (80,358) and passing touchdowns (571), first in completions (7,142), fourth in wins (172) and third in completion percentage (67.7), officially was nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Brees, who retired in 2020, is in his first year of eligibility.
Other former Saints eligible for enshrinement with the Class of '26 include guard Jahri Evans (2006-16), defensive tackle La’Roi Glover (1997-2001), kicker John Kasay (2011), fullback Lorenzo Neal (1993-96), quarterback Jake Delhomme (1997-2002) and tight end Wesley Walls (1994-95).
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Following his NFL retirement announcement, we look back at Saints quarterback Drew Brees' career with 100 of the best photos from his time in New Orleans.
Brees joined the Saints as an unrestricted free agent in 2006, after playing his first five seasons with the San Diego Chargers. The ascension of the franchise quickly followed, to heights that previously had not been attained.
The Saints won the NFC South Division and advanced to the NFC Championship Game for the first time in franchise history in 2006. He led New Orleans to victory in Super Bowl XLIV in 2009 and from 2006-20, Brees was named All-Pro five times, was a Pro Bowler 13 times, twice was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year, set NFL records with five 5,000-yard passing seasons, 54 consecutive games with a touchdown pass, most touchdown passes in a game (seven) and the highest single-season completion percentage (74.4).
New Orleans won the NFC South Division seven times, including four consecutive years from 2017-20, and played in three NFC Championship games.
Brees is a member of the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame and will be inducted into the Saints Ring of Honor.
In the next step in the selection process, a screening committee will reduce the overall total of 128 modern-era player nominees to 50 (plus ties, if any, for the 50th spot). The results of that reduction will be announced in mid-October.
The full 50-person Hall of Fame Selection Committee then will reduce the list further – to 25 Semifinalists, later this fall. Another vote will create the list of 15 modern-era finalists who will be discussed at the annual selection meeting ahead of Super Bowl LX. The Class of 2026 can consist of three, four or five modern-era players under the Hall of Fame's bylaws.
