Brees moving past NFC title loss: 'I refuse to let this create any negativity'

Drew Brees wants the New Orleans Saints and their fans to move on from their controversial loss in the NFC Championship Game.

The future Hall of Fame quarterback attempted to uplift his team's fan base following a week of a public outcry over a late missed call in the Saints' loss to the Los Angeles Rams, writing he won't "let this hold us down" in a lengthy Instagram post on Monday.

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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.

A post shared by Drew Brees (@drewbrees) on Jan 28, 2019 at 6:23am PST

Officials didn't throw a flag for a blatant defensive pass interference penalty that would've essentially secured a Super Bowl berth for New Orleans. Instead, the game went to overtime, in which the Rams snatched a victory after Brees threw an interception.

Frustrated Saints fans have pushed hard for an NFC title game rematch; a petition for a do-over has reached over 700,000 signatures and two season-ticket holders have filed a lawsuit.

Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy even broached the issue in the Senate during the U.S. government shutdown, arguing the NFL had blown the game. Some on social media criticized Cassidy for the poor timing and inappropriate nature of his speech.

Saints fans are unlikely to get over the heartbreaking defeat any time soon, but the 40-year-old Brees' confirmation that he intends to return for "another run" at a second championship should soften the blow.

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