It’s been 4 seasons since the New Orleans legend Drew Brees retired. And if you thought the Saints’ fans had moved on, think again.

The Saints fans simply can’t quit Drew Brees, their hero. As the NFL enters 2025, most states in 2024 searched for current superstars like Patrick Mahomes (23) or Lamar Jackson (12). But Louisiana stayed true to its icon. Pro Football Reference revealed Brees topped the search stats in his (2nd) home state, even a few years after retirement. But is this loyalty a sign of being stuck in the past? Or, simply a reflection of how deep Brees’s bond with the city runs?

Brees’s 15 years with the Saints transformed the franchise and the city itself. He cemented his legacy as not just a quarterback, but rather a symbol of hope and resilience. Brees joined the Saints in 2006 right after Hurricane Katrina. And Brees, along with coach Sean Payton led a resurgence that extended beyond the field.

The Saints claimed their first-ever Super Bowl victory in 2009 under his leadership, making history and uniting the city. Brees smashed records left and right, including the NFL’s all-time passing yards mark. And guess what? He was the league’s passing leader for 7 seasons. His precision could even be seen late in his career. He had a record-setting 74.4% completion rate in 2018. Setting a standard unmatched in NFL history. And fans still remember his record-breaking days.

Like when he surpassed Dan Marino’s single-season passing yardage record (5,084 yards) in 2011. Brees eventually finished the season with 5,476. But fans didn’t just admire his stats. They connected with his story. A man constantly doubted for his size and injury history, Brees found a home in a city that understood resilience. Social media quickly lit up after the stats were published. Seems like fans are still cheering for him.

Saints fans: Nostalgic or forever loyal?

“Saints fans staring out the rainy window man 😭😭,” one fan tweeted, echoing the bittersweet sentiment of many. Others joked about living in the past, but the trend highlights a deeper bond between New Orleans and its all-time favorite quarterback.

Memes flooded Twitter, with one fan declaring, “We still miss you, Drew.” Sharing a zoomed-in snap of the stats image, showcasing the New Orleans region. While another joked, “Saints fans down real bad lmao.” Even the mockery underlines a truth: New Orleans football without Brees feels incomplete.

Despite attempts to move on with new quarterbacks, the franchise hasn’t matched the success of the Brees-Payton years. In New Orleans, Drew Brees is more than a QB. They feel as though he’s a part of the family. They even wanted him to coach the team after Dennis Allen‘s firing.

His retirement in 2021 did mark the end of an era. But how can it stop fans from honoring his legacy? The nostalgia, while playful, underscores the power of a player who transcended the game, leaving a legacy as enduring as the Superdome itself.