Former New Orleans Saints tight end Benjamin Watson got to celebrate his long-time friend, Drew Brees, as he was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame on Aug. 8 and reflect on his own NFL career.
“I experienced unexpected joy and emotion gathering with so many teammates last weekend, as we celebrated one of our own entering football immortality,” Watson wrote in a post on Instagram. “For pro football players, the Hall of Fame represents the elite of our sport. It is a collective of very few; men who changed how the game was viewed and played. Other than the Lombardi, the gold jacket is the most coveted accomplishment one can earn.”
Watson went on to explain that beyond the wins and accolades is the legacy left by former players.
“But what I love most about this game is that even those who reach those heights leave legacies that are much greater than the game,” the former tight end continued. “Being among former teammates and friends and other legends who impacted my life was surreal. It’s only been 6 years but football seems like a lifetime ago.”
“Those relationships, battles, victories and struggles shaped me. I experienced God in unique and special ways because of this game, these men and every city that was part of my journey,” he added.
At the end of the post, Watson congratulated Brees and prayed Numbers 6:24 over Brees and his family.
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“Congratulations @drewbrees. You deserve this honor and more. May the Lord bless and keep you and your family,” Watson concluded. “I’m grateful that our paths crossed and I had the privilege of wearing the black and gold with you. Thank you for being you.”
During his acceptance speech, Brees took a moment to talk about one of the most important moments of his career: becoming a Christian.
“One of the most life-changing events occurred my junior year of high school. After suffering a major knee injury which put my athletic career in jeopardy, my identity was challenged,” Brees recalled in his speech. “Up until that point, sports had defined me, and I wasn’t sure who I was without it. Sitting in church on my 17th birthday, Christ came into my heart and changed me forever. I felt protected, connected and directed towards the path that God had for me. He would equip me for the journey, which led me to places I never could have expected. Thank you to Pastors Shawn Mitchell, Miles McPherson, Rob Wilton and Troy Martin for your Christian mentorship in my life.”
Watson’s heartfelt tribute to Brees at his Hall of Fame induction reflects how their bond — forged through football and faith — produced a legacy that, for both men, extends far beyond the game itself.
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