In a surprising revelation by NFL insider Adam Schefter, it was disclosed that retired quarterback Drew Brees nearly returned to the field last season. Brees, 47, was close to taking the helm for the Denver Broncos during the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots.
The situation unfolded after Broncos quarterback Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle in overtime during the divisional round. With Nix injured, Denver had to rely on backup Jarrett Stidham. Former Saints coaches Joe Lombardi and Pete Carmichael, now Broncos assistants, discreetly contacted Brees about filling in.
Brees, immortalized during his hall of fame ceremony at Caesars Superdome on October 17, 2024, was seriously considering the offer. He went as far as holding a private workout to assess his throwing capabilities. Unfortunately, wrist discomfort during the session caused him to abandon the idea.
His potential return was a significant risk, with Brees having not played since retiring in 2021. Any participation in the game would reset his retirement clock, delaying his Hall of Fame induction from August 2026 to 2031.
Reflecting on his career, Brees shared on the “New Heights” podcast that the Miami Dolphins passed on him in 2006 due to a failed shoulder physical. Coach Nick Saban later admitted regretting the decision, acknowledging how Brees could have altered the team’s trajectory.
Ultimately, Stidham took the field, and the Broncos faced a narrow 10-7 defeat to New England, leaving fans to ponder what might have been.
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