Tom Brady led the tributes to Drew Brees after the New Orleans Saints quarterback announced his retirement from the NFL.
Brady and Brees have spent the past two decades at the summit of American football, but the latter has now called time on his career.
Seven-time Super Bowl champion Brady sits second in the list of all-time passing yards (79,204), trailing only Brees (80,358).
Brady, who this week extended his contract with champions the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will almost certainly pass that mark in 2021, but Brees' extraordinary achievements over a 20-year career will not be forgotten.
Although his time in the NFL ended with defeat to Brady's Bucs in the 2020 playoffs, the Saints icon's great rival was keen to hail his outstanding achievements.
"Congrats my friend on an incredible career," Brady wrote on Twitter.
"Thank you for the inspiration and dedication on and off the field! Look forward to seeing what's next @drewbrees."
Congratulations followed from around the NFL, including from NFC South rivals Tampa Bay, who accompanied a picture of Brees and Brady with the message: "Congratulations on an incredible career, @drewbrees."
The Atlanta Falcons, another NFC South opponent, were glad to see the back of a great, posting: "We thank you, @drewbrees. But we won't miss you."
Tributes from within the Saints organisation were as heartfelt as anticipated, with Brees having complemented his on-field success – a single Super Bowl ring – with off-field contributions, playing a huge role in the relief effort following Hurricane Katrina.
New Orleans head coach Sean Payton said: "When I was hired by the Saints as head coach in 2006, the very first goal was to establish a functional and winning culture.
"In doing so, it was vital to know what we were looking for in a player; talent, work ethic, make-up, intelligence and leadership are all qualities we found in Drew Brees.
"We also found a player with a burning desire to win. Within a year, he helped lead our team to the club's first NFC Championship appearance.
"Throughout his career, his consistency and dedication to excellence were unparalleled.
"In a very short period of time, he would help lead a region to recovery and a team to a Super Bowl Championship.
"He was a magnificent leader both on and off the field. His attention to detail and competitive spirit were infectious.
"For all of us that have had the chance to coach him, it has been our privilege, we are better for it.
"I am forever grateful for what he has done for our team, our community and for me personally."
Owner Gayle Benson said Brees was "much more valuable than all the records, awards and accolades". Saints president Dennis Lauscha described him as "remarkable in all facets of his career".
"He has developed a lasting legacy not only as a player, but more importantly as a person," said general manager Mickey Loomis.