New Orleans’ heartbreaking loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship a week ago was disappointing on so many levels. Whether the blame is aimed at the officials or the Saints for blowing a home lead, it’s been a tough week in Louisiana.

Monday morning, Saints quarterback Drew Brees broke his silence after the 26-23 overtime defeat to the Rams, costing New Orleans a chance to return to the Super Bowl. And, in typical Brees fashion, the statement was nothing but pure class.

“I’ve spent this last week navigating the heartache and disappointment from the game. Some things within our control and some outside our control that caused us to fall short,” Brees wrote. “So much of our motivation is to represent the Who Dat Nation with determination and resiliency. We want to play for you, fight for you, and win for you. You deserve that.

“The longer I play I realize that we truly are one heartbeat with our fans. Our success is your success. Our disappointment is your disappointment. We are inspired by one another to accomplish things far greater than what we could ever do on our own.

“There is no place like New Orleans. There is no community like ours. No fans like the Who Dat Nation. I refuse to let this hold us down. I refuse to let this create any negativity or resentment. I embrace the challenge. So keep your chin up, hold your head high, puff your chest out because WE are the Who Dat Nation and WE will always persevere.”

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I’ve spent this last week navigating the heartache and disappointment from the game. Some things within our control and some outside our control that caused us to fall short. So much of our motivation is to represent the Who Dat Nation with determination and resiliency. We want to play for you, fight for you, and win for you. You deserve that. The longer I play I realize that we truly are one heartbeat with our fans. Our success is your success. Our disappointment is your disappointment. We are inspired by one another to accomplish things far greater than what we could ever do on our own. Everything that has ever happened to this community, we have bonded together, galvanized and leaped forward every time. The frustration we feel now can be channeled in the same way. Pour that passion and emotion into your families and communities. Inspire others with your focus & determination and positive outlook. This will make us stronger, this will bond us tighter, this will be a source for our success in the future. There is no place like New Orleans. There is no community like ours. No fans like the Who Dat Nation. I refuse to let this hold us down. I refuse to let this create any negativity or resentment. I embrace the challenge. So keep your chin up, hold your head high, puff your chest out because WE are the Who Dat Nation and WE will always persevere.

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Most of New Orleans — and really NFL fans everywhere — have been upset with a missed pass interference call that likely cost the Saints a trip to the Super Bowl. It’s been the biggest topic of conversation this offseason.

Still, it was extremely classy for Brees to send out a statement to the city and express his gratitude for the support the team has received.

There’s a reason New Orleans loves Brees and will continue to be huge fans of his, even when he’s done throwing touchdown passes.