The best player in franchise history became that way in part because he wanted to be the best teammate in franchise history.

As former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees concluded a litany of truths during his Saints Hall of Fame induction speech Thursday — many of them comical backstories about his early seasons with the Saints — the thread that wove them all together was that he wanted to be available for his boys.

“I learned so many things playing professional football,” Brees said from the stage in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Riverside hotel. “I learned about leadership, I learned about perseverance, I learned about overcoming adversity. But what I learned most about this game and about playing for this organization was how to be a great teammate. And I learned that because I was surrounded by great teammates every day.”

Several of those teammates were present Thursday, including tight end Jimmy Graham (Brees’ announcer), linebacker Jonathan Vilma, safety Roman Harper, linebackers Scott Shanle and Scott Fujita, running back Pierre Thomas, receiver Lance Moore, offensive lineman Jermon Bushrod and defense end Jeff Charleston.

And with the Saints (2-4) facing Denver (3-3) hours later in the Caesars Superdome, and several former Saints coaches now helping make up Denver’s staff, Broncos Coach Sean Payton, Pete Carmichael, Offensive Coordinator Joe Lombardi and offensive line coach Zach Strief stopped by to congratulate Brees.

“I probably played four more years than I ever could have expected,” said Brees, a Saints from 2006-20 who currently ranks second all-time in NFL passing yards (80,358), touchdown passes (571), completions ( 7,142) and completion percentage (67.7). He holds the NFL record with a touchdown pass in 54 consecutive games.

“I went to 17^e season (2017) honestly felt like it could possibly be my last season. I continued to play in large part because of my children, knowing that this would be something they would remember for the rest of their lives. And to see, now that they were old enough to understand, what things have shaped and strengthened me along the way.

“Being in the locker room watching guys like Jimmy Graham, Michael Thomas and Zach Strief. Like so many guys who have just been through so much, endured so much and are just the same guy every day. That’s why I played those extra years.

“But I also played those extra years because I woke up every day and said to myself, ‘I want to win for the boys in the locker room. I don’t want to let them down. I have too much to play for.’ “

It was a much appreciated extension. Brees started all 228 games he played in New Orleans and was the Most Valuable Player when the Saints won Super Bowl XLIV. He also started 58 of 59 games played for the San Diego Chargers.

“Drew was one of the reasons I came, he was one of the reasons we won the Super Bowl, the best team I ever had,” said Vilma, who was acquired by the Saints in 2008 for two draft picks. I can’t say enough about Drew and what it means to be here, for him to be honored and for me to be honored in his presence. They were the best years I’ve had in my career.

“Drew was a big brother to me, and you take care of family,” Thomas said. “Drew will always be family, just like all those guys I played with. We support each other – sometimes texting or calling from a distance, but I had the opportunity to be here in person to witness this moment for a while. man who really deserves it.

“I would say he gave the city and the people hope. He showed us what it is to be a leader who we can count on at any time. He has shown the same with the city, and he has done so much for him. He has shown himself to be a man of compassion and hard work, a man of loyalty. He will always be a saint, and that is why people love him.”

Brees, who will be eligible for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026, said his induction into the Saints Hall of Fame was special.

“There is no greater organization to be a part of than the Saints Hall of Fame, because of all the incredible people, all the incredible teammates that get to share in this,” he said. “And the moments we will continue to share in the future as we watch our children and our families grow up together. We are always reminded of the years that truly shaped us.”

Along with Brees, longtime Saints press box announcer Doug Moreau will be inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame as the winner of the Joe Gemelli Fleur De Lis Award, presented to individuals who dedicate time and dedication to the betterment of the franchise.