Drew Brees Calls Saints’ 2006 Superdome Return After Hurricane Katrina a ‘Rebirth’ as He Reflects on 20th Anniversary

**Drew Brees Reflects on the Symbolic Reopening of the Superdome**

Twenty years on, Drew Brees, the former quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, is looking back on a pivotal moment in both his life and the city’s history. At NBC’s “Common Ground” event held on 25 September 2026, Brees recalled the emotional reopening of the Superdome, which took place a year after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans.

The 2006 game against the Atlanta Falcons marked a significant moment not just for the team, but also for the city and its residents, many of whom had been displaced due to the hurricane. In a discussion with Mike Tirico, Brees expressed, “The reopening of the Superdome… truly a day that all of us will remember forever. It was not just the biggest game of our lives at that moment, but we understood its deeper significance.”

Brees, who joined the Saints after the hurricane, stated that the team was largely made up of new players who had yet to connect deeply with the city. “The entire team had been displaced. It was a new team, comprised many of us who came from various backgrounds with little idea of the unique experience we were about to share,” he reflected.

The legendary quarterback highlighted the profound significance of playing in New Orleans. “I think we all chose this city because it represented something greater than our careers. It symbolised the rebirth and resilience of one of America’s greatest cities, and the impact we could have on that recovery,” Brees stated, emphasising the bond formed between the players and the community.

Brees, who was born in Texas and played at Purdue University in Indiana, joined the Saints in 2006 and remained with the team until his retirement in 2021. During his illustrious career, he achieved five seasons with over 5,000 passing yards and is recognised as the league’s second all-time leading passer, with 80,358 yards, behind Tom Brady’s 89,214 yards.

Discussing his recent recognition in the Pro Football Hall of Fame during an interview with PEOPLE, Brees remarked on the honour of his induction. “It’s incredible to receive such an accolade, one I had never imagined. Coming into the league, I was just hoping for a chance to play,” he said, revealing the humility that marked his approach to his professional journey.

The former quarterback also expressed the lasting impact of the Superdome reopening on the community. “I believe there was a part of everyone watching that night who felt a deep connection, a sense of perseverance and hope following a significant challenge,” he noted, suggesting that the event fostered a new wave of dedicated fans for the team.

As Brees reflects on his time in the NFL and his connection to New Orleans, it is evident that his impact extended beyond the field. The 2006 game symbolised not just a return to football, but a resurrection for the city itself. For many, the memory of that night in the Superdome continues to serve as a reminder of resilience in the face of adversity.

Today, as Brees commemorates this defining chapter in his career, the bond between the Saints and New Orleans remains profound, encapsulating the spirit of a community that has overcome significant challenges through its love for the game and its collective strength.