The moment Drew Brees walked off the field for the last time, the clock started ticking. The timer was set for 5 years, and when that timer went off, it was time for the New Orleans Saints legend to be enshrined in Canton. That moment was five years ago, and the timer is going off.
There's no question who the greatest Saint of all time is. That honor goes to a man who's resume would be disrespected by anyone trying to compile it in one article. Any attempt would be a mere portion of his achievements. Let's leave specific numbers alone. Brees, alongside Sean Payton, was one half of the duo that architected arguably the greatest span of offensive display this league has ever seen.
Brees is the face of the New Orleans Saints and that will probably never change. He came to New Orleans at a pivotal time and brought the Saints to prominence in an unpredictable fashion. Most importantly, Brees brought the Saints a Super Bowl. His induction didn't make him the greatest player in franchise history. It only further proved it.
Drew Brees is the Saints 1st First Ballot Hall of Famer
We've already established that Brees is the greatest New Orleans Saint of all time. He has the records, the Super Bowl, the moments. He has it all, and just as you thought there was nothing else he could gain, Brees adds another accolade to his resume. Brees is the first Saint to be a first ballot Hall of Famer.
The Saints have multiple legendary players who are now enshrined in Canton, but all of them took some years to make it. Morten Anderson retired as the NFL's all-time leader in points. Willie Roaf was a wall at left tackle and, like Anderson, was a part of two All Decade teams. Rickey Jackson and Sam Mills were both integral parts of one of the greatest groups of linebackers ever assembled, the Dome Patrol.
Looking at the Saints legends in Canton, it's a list of respected players. You'd think at least one of them made it in their first year of eligibility. Negative. There was never a question that Brees would check that box. It's just surprising to see he's the first one to do it.