Drew Brees Nearly Made A Comeback For The Broncos

Just before the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos clashed on “Monday Night Football,” NFL analyst Adam Schefter revealed a surprising story. The 47-year-old retired quarterback Drew Brees almost returned to play for Denver in the previous AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots.

After the unfortunate ankle injury of Broncos quarterback Bo Nix in the divisional round’s overtime, Denver had to rely on backup Jarrett Stidham. During this challenging time, Broncos assistants Joe Lombardi and Pete Carmichael, both with a history coaching at the Saints, discreetly contacted Brees to explore his potential availability.

The news took everyone by surprise as Brees had retired in 2021 and had not participated in an NFL game for five years. Head coach Sean Payton remained unaware of these discussions until much later. Interestingly, Brees seriously considered the offer, even leading a private throwing session to assess his arm’s condition.

Though Brees considered the opportunity, discomfort in his wrist during the workout ended the possibility. Realizing that his physical state couldn’t match the demands of an NFL game, Brees declined the comeback offer. If Brees had returned, it would have marked a dramatic and notable comeback story in sports history.

Starting a 47-year-old in a critical, freezing AFC title game without practice was a considerable risk. Moreover, taking part in a single game would have reset his retirement eligibility, delaying his Hall of Fame induction from August 2026 to 2031.

On a related note, during the “New Heights” podcast by Travis and Jason Kelce, Brees shared the impactful memory of being rejected by the Miami Dolphins in 2006. Team doctors had given his shoulder only a 25% chance to recover. Coach Nick Saban later expressed regret, suggesting that this evaluation cost the Dolphins a chance for football success and led Brees to join New Orleans.

In the end, Stidham played the game and the Broncos were narrowly defeated 10-7 by New England, leaving fans and the team contemplating what might have been.