If it wasn’t clear by how many tears flowed across New Orleans when Saints quarterback Drew Brees broke the NFL’s career passing yardage record on October 8, 2018, against the Washington Redskins, then let us tell you what we have always known — that moment proved Drew Brees is the heart of our city.

“I was brought here [New Orleans] for a reason. I feel like I can make a tremendous impact, not only with the team but in the community […] I obviously take a lot of pride in what I do on the football field because that has the ability to influence a lot of people. That puts smiles on people’s faces. That gives people a pep in their step on Monday morning when they go back to work.” – Drew Brees

Although this would be an amazing idea for Lee Circle, we think the following one is even better. Join Neutral Ground News in humbly requesting Mayor Cantrell strongly consider having the city of New Orleans place a statue of Drew Brees atop the vacant pedestal in Lee Circle where the Robert E. Lee monument once stood by signing the petition below.

Drew Brees is so, so much more than a football player. He represents the absolute best of our city and unifies us all – white, black, rich, poor, old, young, fat, skinny, neutral ground side, sidewalk side, East Bank, West Bank. Drew and New Orleans are one in the same — we both needed each other in our darkest moments and together rose to new heights when others left us for dead.

“Forget all the doubters. Forget all the critics. Is there satisfaction in proving them wrong? Sure, but I don’t want to give those people the gratification of even dwelling on their words that long. There’s a motivator much more powerful than doubt. I play in honor of those who believe in me.” – Drew Brees

He personifies what we as New Orleanians hope to become and a city hope to represent: Hope, Heart, Courage, Determination, Humility, Passion, Confidence, Integrity, Charisma, Positivity, and chutzpah.

“I’m a very modest person. But I’m also extremely confident. And if you put me in the situation or in the moment, I’m gonna have some swagger, I’m gonna have some cockiness.” – Drew Brees

Drew is ever-striving, heading for the top with an unyielding dedication. He bounces back from setbacks and can overcome any adversities or obstacles thrown in his way. He inspires us to be better.

“Drew is one of those guys that doesn’t stop working. He’s a perfectionist and he’s one of the hardest workers that I’ve been around. He makes you push yourself beyond what you think you can do.” – Former Saints running back Reggie Bush

Drew Brees is a hero because thinks of others before himself. He is a great father, husband, and man. He is the ultimate competitor. He makes us smile. He makes us believe. He empowers us.

“If he told me to jump off a cliff in order to win a game, I’d do it. He’s like the Pied Piper. He leads and we follow.” – Former Saints guard Carl Nicks

Although he may not be the tallest player on the New Orleans Saints, his leadership, his heart, and how he represents himself and the city stands taller than even the biggest buildings in Louisiana. Drew Brees is the epitome of a real-life hero.

“You’re [Drew] the greatest leader I’ve ever been around, and I admire you so much as a player, but even more so as a person.” – Former Saints guard Zach Strief

Therefore, we call on you Mayor Cantrell to erect a statue of Drew Brees in “Drew Dat Circle” so all New Orleanians, now and in the future, will know that “you can accomplish anything in life if you’re willing to work for it.”

“I want to be somebody who is not only a leader on my football team but a leader in the community, somebody who follows through with what he says he’s going to do, be accountable, show integrity and give back.” – Drew Brees

SIGN THE PETITION