Drew Brees calls Hurricane Katrina 'defining moment' of career, credits faith and community for perseverance

Drew Brees said two words at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio earlier this month that started a loud roar through the seats during his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction speech.

New Orleans .

Brees said he and his wife were scared, yet excited to embark on the next chapter of his NFL career in a city with which he would become synonymous — through the good and the bad.

ZERO BS.

JUST DAKICH.

TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD.

DOWNLOAD NOW! As Brees joined the New Orleans Saints before the start of the 2006 season, Hurricane Katrina had devastated the city.

The Hurricane created a total of $125 billion in estimated damage and was the deadliest American hurricane since 1928 with 1,392 deaths.

Football was the last thing on the minds of those trying to rebuild their beloved community in New Orleans, but it became a pillar of hope and positivity, something to rally around thanks to Brees and his teammates.

After a 20-year stay in the NFL filled with ups and downs, Fox News Digital asked Brees in a recent interview if joining the Saints while dealing with Hurricane Katrina was a defining moment in his Hall of Fame career.

"It was definitely a defining moment in my career," Brees responded quickly, while highlighting his partnership with DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS.

"Honestly, most of the defining moments in my career, especially as it pertains to football, came on the heels of something devastating happening, or something that was a difficulty, a challenge, a failure.

Something where I felt like maybe it was being taken away from me.

Injuries give you that feeling in sports.