The retirement announcement of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees on Sunday came as an era-defining moment for his colleagues and coaches, who took to social media to pay tribute to a man who was to them a talisman, legend, and one of the most successful passers in NFL history.

Tom Brady, who was the last quarterback to play against Brees, tweeted, "Congrats my friend on an incredible career. Thank you for the inspiration and dedication on and off the field! Look forward to seeing what's next @drewbrees." 

The two future Hall of Famers have a very close relationship and Brady was spotted spending extensive time with Brees on the Superdome turf following Tampa Bay's divisional round playoff victory over the Saints.

Former Saints wide receiver Lance Moore, who played eight seasons with Brees and was inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame in 2019, was emotional. "Thank you for all that you have meant to so many, including me. Welcome to retirement," he wrote. 

Detroit Lions running back Adrian Peterson, who set the freshman rushing record with 1,925 yards during the 2004 season at Oklahoma, sent a congratulatory message via Twitter, "Happy retirement legend! The game will miss you."

A leader on and off the field 

Saints owner Gayle Benson declared that Brees was "much more valuable than all the records, awards and accolades that he amassed" and was "one of the greatest in our league's history."

"When Drew first joined the Saints in 2006, my late husband Tom was determined to deliver a team to New Orleans that would win a championship on the field and become a leader in the community following the setbacks that Hurricane Katrina dealt our region," she added.

"Over and above his outstanding performance, Drew came to represent the resolve, passion and drive that resonates not only with Saints fans and football fans, but our entire community."

Saints head coach Sean Payton was also not sparing in his praise. "Throughout his career, his consistency and dedication to excellence were unparalleled," he said.

"He was a magnificent leader both on and off the field. His attention to detail and competitive spirit were infectious. For all of us that have had the chance to coach him, it has been our privilege, we are better for it."

One of the best of all time 

Brees spent the first five seasons of his career with the Chargers before joining the Saints in 2006. It was a move that would change the fortunes of both Brees and the Saints: he guided New Orleans to nine playoff appearances, something the team had managed only four times in their previous 39 years.

Brees holds the all-time record for passing yards with 80,358 and is second only to Tom Brady in touchdowns with 571. He is the only player in NFL history to throw for 5,000 passing yards in multiple seasons and owns the record for the most seasons leading the league in passing yards. 

He has another record for the most consecutive games with a passing touchdown having thrown a scoring pass in 54 straight games, and has the most career games of passing for 300-plus yards, doing so 123 times. He never won the regular season MVP award, but finished second a record four times. 

Brees revealed his retirement plan in an Instagram video featuring his children.

"After 20 years as a player in the NFL and 15 years as a Saint, it is time I retire from the game of football," he said. "Each day, I poured my heart & soul into being your Quarterback. Til the very end, I exhausted myself to give everything I had to the Saints organization, my team, and the great city of New Orleans."

"We shared some amazing moments together, many of which are emblazoned in our hearts and minds and will forever be a part of us. You have molded me, strengthened me, inspired me, and given me a lifetime of memories." 

Last season the 42-year-old missed just four games despite suffering a punctured lung and fractured ribs, but as age and injuries have been catching up with him, Brees knows his magnificent career is drawing to a close. But he hinted there is more to come.

"This is not goodbye, rather a new beginning. Now my real life's work begins!" he beamed.