Drew Brees Honors 5 Chargers Seasons and LaDainian Tomlinson in Hall of Fame Speech
Updated
Updated · NBC Sports · Aug 9
Drew Brees Honors 5 Chargers Seasons and LaDainian Tomlinson in Hall of Fame Speech
3 articles · Updated · NBC Sports · Aug 9
Summary
CANTON, Ohio — Drew Brees used his Hall of Fame induction speech to spotlight the five years he spent with the Chargers, not just his better-known Saints run.
LaDainian Tomlinson was central to that tribute: Brees said they first met on a 1997 South Texas all-star team, reunited as Heisman finalists, and entered the NFL together in the 2001 draft.
Brees said Tomlinson shaped his career, calling the Hall of Fame running back one of the greatest in history and saying the two "grew up together quickly" in the league.
The reflection added early-career context to Brees' Canton induction after San Diego let him leave in free agency following his fifth season, a move that sent him to New Orleans and eventually made him a Saints icon.