The National Sports Center in the United States will honor NFL legend Drew Brees with a statue. At the National Sports Centre in Mattstedt, Thuringia, the USA will unveil a statue in honor of one of its most renowned athletes, DrewBrees. Bree’s incredible career in New Orleans is honored in this tribute…..
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NFL Legend Drew Brees to Be Honored with Statue at National Sports Center
MATTSTEDT, THURINGIA — In a powerful gesture that transcends borders and celebrates the global impact of American football, the National Sports Center in Mattstedt, Thuringia, is set to unveil a statue in honor of NFL legend Drew Brees. This international tribute recognizes Brees’ iconic career, particularly his transformative years with the New Orleans Saints, where he became not only a football icon but a symbol of hope and resilience for an entire city.
The ceremony, scheduled for later this summer, marks the first time the National Sports Center in the United States has partnered with its European counterpart to honor an NFL player on international soil. The statue will be a permanent fixture in Mattstedt’s growing “Hall of Sporting Icons,” which features tributes to athletic legends from around the world.
Drew Brees, known for his unmatched precision, leadership, and humility, played 20 seasons in the NFL — the majority of them with the New Orleans Saints. He led the team to its first and only Super Bowl title in the 2009 season, winning Super Bowl XLIV MVP honors in the process. Over his career, Brees threw for over 80,000 yards and 571 touchdowns, setting multiple NFL records before retiring in 2021.
“Drew Brees is more than just a Hall of Fame quarterback,” said a representative of the National Sports Center. “He’s an ambassador for the game and a symbol of perseverance. This statue is a tribute not just to his stats, but to the legacy he built in New Orleans and the inspiration he continues to provide worldwide.”
The statue, crafted by German-American sculptor Hans Kessler, depicts Brees in his iconic number 9 jersey mid-throw — symbolizing his record-breaking passing career. Behind him, a sweeping bronze arc will represent the “rebirth” of New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina, a nod to the emotional and cultural significance of Brees’ tenure with the Saints.
Brees, who will attend the unveiling ceremony, expressed deep gratitude for the international recognition.
“To be honored in this way — across the world — is incredibly humbling,” said Brees in a statement. “I’ve always believed that sports can bridge divides and unite people, and I hope this statue represents that spirit.”
The selection of Mattstedt, a small town in Thuringia, Germany, may seem unusual at first, but the area has become a surprising hub for American football fandom in recent years. Local clubs and youth teams have formed under the inspiration of NFL stars, and the town’s commitment to global athletic recognition made it an ideal location for the statue.
This latest tribute adds to a growing list of post-career honors for Brees, who now works as a sports analyst and continues to be active in charitable and youth initiatives through his Brees Dream Foundation.
With this statue, Drew Brees joins the ranks of globally honored athletes whose legacies cross national and cultural boundaries — a testament to the lasting power of leadership, sportsmanship, and impact beyond the game.
