Brees Almost Came Out of Retirement for Broncos
Just hours before the Kansas City Chiefs faced off against the Denver Broncos on “Monday Night Football,” NFL insider Adam Schefter shared some surprising news. He revealed that 47-year-old Drew Brees was close to stepping off the couch to start for the Broncos during last season’s AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots.
Following an injury to Broncos quarterback Bo Nix in overtime of the divisional round, Denver was left no choice but to rely on backup Jarrett Stidham. In light of this, assistant coaches Joe Lombardi and Pete Carmichael, both of whom had previously worked with Brees at the Saints, discreetly reached out to him.
Interestingly, head coach Sean Payton was unaware of this situation until several months after it had unfolded. According to reports, Brees took the inquiry seriously and even organized a private throwing workout to check on his arm’s condition.
However, during the session, he experienced wrist discomfort that ultimately derailed any thought of a return. Coming to terms with the limitations of his body, he decided against making a comeback.
If Brees had returned, it could have ranked among the most extraordinary one-game comebacks in sports history, especially considering he hadn’t played in an NFL game for five years after retiring in 2021.
Throwing a 47-year-old into a cold and snowy AFC Championship game without any practice would have been a significant physical risk.
Moreover, playing even a single snap could have reset his retirement clock, delaying his Hall of Fame induction from August 2026 to 2031.
On the “New Heights” podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce, Brees reflected on his past, recalling when the Miami Dolphins turned him down in 2006 after team doctors deemed his shoulder only 25% likely to heal. Nick Saban later expressed his regret, admitting the failed physical robbed the Dolphins of future success and led Brees to thrive in New Orleans.
Ultimately, Stidham started for the Broncos, who lost a close game to the Patriots, leaving the team with just one lingering question: what if?
