Drew Brees’ Near Comeback with the Denver Broncos

Before the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos faced off on “Monday Night Football”, NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed a surprising development. Last season, 47-year-old Drew Brees almost came out of retirement to start for Denver in the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots.

The Broncos found themselves in a challenging situation when quarterback Bo Nix broke his ankle during overtime in the divisional round. This left backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham as the only option. Consequently, Broncos assistants Joe Lombardi and Pete Carmichael, both of whom had previously coached Brees with the Saints, discreetly reached out to see if Brees would consider returning. Head coach Sean Payton remained unaware of these discussions until months later.

Brees took the proposal seriously, even conducting a private throwing session to assess his physical condition. Unfortunately, wrist discomfort emerged during this workout, leading him to conclude that his body was not ready for such a return. This decision marked the end of any potential comeback.

Had Brees decided to play, it would have been a remarkable one-time comeback in sports history. He had not played an NFL game since his retirement in 2021. The prospect of Brees entering a snowy AFC Championship Game without recent practice presented a significant physical risk.

Moreover, any participation would have altered the timeline of his eligibility for the Hall of Fame. By taking a single snap, his five-year retirement period would reset, delaying his induction from August 2026 to 2031.

Brees recently discussed on the “New Heights” podcast how the Miami Dolphins once rejected him due to concerns about his shoulder’s recovery, giving it only a 25% chance. Former Dolphins coach Nick Saban lamented this decision, acknowledging that it steered Brees toward his successful stint with the New Orleans Saints.

In the end, Jarrett Stidham started the game for the Broncos. They lost to New England with a final score of 10-7, leaving Denver contemplating what could have been if Brees had taken the field.