New Orleans Saints all-time passing leader Drew Brees advanced to the next step of his inevitable election into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Wednesday, when he became one of 52 modern-era players to proceed ahead in the voting process for the Class of 2026.
Former Saints guard Jahri Evans, a two-time finalist for HOF induction, also again advanced to the final 52.
Brees spent 15 seasons of his 20-year NFL career with the 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).
He leads New Orleans in every statistical passing category and is in his first year of eligibility for the HOF, after retiring in 2020.
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 ran a parallel route: 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 during the 2009 season 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, and 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 with Brees.
Brees, a member of the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame, also is certain to be inducted into the Saints Ring of Honor.
Evans, a Saint from 2006-16, is the second-most decorated offensive lineman in franchise history behind Hall of Fame left tackle Willie Roaf. Evans, currently an offensive line assistant coach for New Orleans, was a five-time All-Pro, six-time Pro Bowler and member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. The inductee into the Saints Ring of Honor and Saints Hall of Fame started all 169 regular-season games he played for New Orleans, and 10 playoff games.
