The echo of 80,358 passing yards and 571 touchdowns hasn’t faded; it’s simply found a new frequency. For Drew Brees, “There’s no doubt in my mind that I’d be one of the best broadcasters in the NFL if given the opportunity,” Brees stated with the same quiet confidence that defined his legendary 20-year-old career.

And from that booth, with a headset replacing a helmet, the view is just as compelling. His foray into broadcasting with NBC was a learning experience. He also spoke glowingly of his time working with “one of my favorite guys in the business,” Mike Tirico, and has intently studied the greats, from Chris Collinsworth to Troy Aikman, understanding that mastery requires more than just knowledge. “Man, I have a ton of respect for the preparation that goes into that… there’s a formula to being really, really great at that.” 

“I feel like I bring a perspective and an insight into an NFL game that is unlike what most people see,” he explained. His next opportunity to prove that comes on Christmas Day, where he’ll be in the booth for Netflix’s coverage of either the Vikings–Lions or Commanders–Cowboys showdown.

It’s a chance to, as he puts it, communicate what he knows in a “really fun and exciting way.” He’s done the homework, treating the craft with the reverence it deserves.

While his future in media looks bright, his past is currently being etched in bronze. The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026 will feature one of the most stacked groups of first-time eligibles ever: Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Jason Witten, Frank Gore, and Philip Rivers.

From Canton dreams to ‘Coach Drew’: Life beyond the whistle

It’s a heavyweight list, but Brees’ resume stands as a monument to sustained excellence. When asked about the possibility of enshrinement, the typically poised QB was almost reverent. “I don’t know. We’ll see. You know, obviously, that would be a tremendous honor,” he said, before reflecting on attending Antonio Gates’ induction.

“It kind of put me in the moment a little bit as to just recognizing what a significant achievement that is.” For a man who owns five of the NFL’s fifteen 5,000-yard passing seasons and has a Super Bowl MVP on his mantle, the call to Canton isn’t a matter of if, but when.

That humility extends to how he’s navigating life after the whistle. He openly acknowledges the “significant shift” that comes with retirement, “You know, you do something like that, trying to be the very best in the world at what you’re doing. And then all of a sudden, one day, you know, you wake up one day, and whether it’s your decision or somebody else’s decision to say you can’t do that anymore. That’s a significant shift.” For Brees, that answer was family and community.

He’s coaching his kids, installing actual Saints plays for his high school team (“I’m calling them the same things… makes these kids feel pretty special”), and embracing his role as ‘Coach Drew’—a mentor who’s always there for them. This ethos of service is further amplified by his work with the Brees Dream Foundation, which has donated $60M to communities, and his current partnership with Abbott and the Big Ten Conference for a massive blood drive. He passionately detailed the critical need, noting that “giving blood can save up to three lives,” and that “25% of all blood donations go to cancer patients.”

So, while the gold jacket awaits in 2026, Brees isn’t waiting for history to find him. He’s too busy building his next legacy, one insightful broadcast, one coached-up kid, and one life-saving donation at a time. The precision that defined his arm now guides his purpose, proving that some legends never stop throwing; they just change what they aim for.