Saints Legends Drew Brees and Jahri Evans Advance to Hall Of Fame 2026 Semifinals – And Evans' Emotional Statement Leaves The New Orleans Community Bursting With Pride
New Orleans, Louisiana – November 26, 2025
New Orleans is celebrating a milestone moment after two pillars of the franchise’s golden era — Drew Brees and Jahri Evans — were officially named Semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. This is not just an honor; it is a powerful recognition of the legacy both men built in Louisiana.
The announcement came early Wednesday morning and instantly sparked excitement across the city. For Brees — newly eligible and widely considered a first-ballot lock — his placement on the list felt inevitable. The former quarterback, owner of countless NFL records and the heart of the Saints for over a decade, headlines a first-year group that includes Philip Rivers, Frank Gore, Larry Fitzgerald, and Jason Witten.
Jahri Evans’ journey, however, carries a different emotional weight. A finalist in 2025 who narrowly missed the final cut, Evans entered this cycle with renewed determination. And when his name appeared once again among the semifinalists, he offered a heartfelt message that resonated deeply with Saints fans everywhere:
“I respect Drew Brees immensely, and it would be completely deserved if he entered the Hall of Fame in his first year. But to stand beside him in this journey… that’s something I never dared to dream of when my career began. If I can advance further, I just hope to contribute even a small part to New Orleans’ pride.”
For many in Louisiana, Evans isn’t just a multi-time Pro Bowl guard — he’s the quiet anchor of the 2009 Super Bowl run, a foundational piece who protected Brees in the most critical moments. His rise from an overlooked draft pick to a Saints legend remains one of the NFL’s most inspiring stories.
Adding to the celebration, Reggie Wayne, a New Orleans native and Colts icon, was also named a Semifinalist for the Class of 2026.
Looking back, Brees and Evans represent more than on-field excellence. They embody the resilience and spirit of New Orleans — a city that has continually overcome adversity and found strength through its heroes.
With this milestone, Saints fans now turn their eyes to Canton, holding onto the hope that two gold jackets may soon be coming home in August.
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