Fansided

Top 30 NFL players of the 21st century

By Jarrett Bailey

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets reacts with Jordan Jenkins #48 before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets reacts with Jordan Jenkins #48 before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 10: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints dives in the end zone to score a one yard touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 10, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 10: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints dives in the end zone to score a one yard touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 10, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

7. Drew Brees

Drew Brees was special in a different way than most quarterbacks. He didn’t have a big arm, but he was an offensive maestro. The crowd was his audience, the field was his stage, and he spent 20 seasons making beautiful music.

Brees was drafted in the second round by the Chargers in 2001 out of Purdue. He had mild success in San Diego, becoming a Pro Bowler in 2004. In 2005, Brees suffered a shoulder injury that some feared would be career ending. The Chargers drafted Phillip Rivers the year before, and were confident enough in the young quarterback to let Brees leave via free agency. He signed with the Saints in 2006, and along with Sean Payton, they helped revitalize a city.

Brees led the NFL in passing yards in 2006 and helped lead the Saints to the playoffs. He was named an All-Pro for the first time that season, and in 2009, he brought New Orleans their first Super Bowl win.

Brees retired as the NFL’s all-time leading passer, throwing for 5,000 yards in a season three times. He was a 13-time Pro Bowl selection and somehow continues to be underrated. He was never voted league MVP, but his numbers more than back up how valuable he was to the Saints for 15 years. Brees is one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in history, and will walk into the Hall of Fame on his first ballot.

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