Just hours before the Kansas City Chiefs faced the Denver Broncos on “Monday Night Football,” NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed surprising news. Drew Brees, at 47 years old, was close to returning to help the Broncos during last season’s AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots.
Following Broncos quarterback Bo Nix’s ankle injury in overtime of the divisional round, Denver turned to backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham. This situation led Broncos assistants Joe Lombardi and Pete Carmichael, who had previously worked with Brees in New Orleans, to discreetly contact him.
While head coach Sean Payton was unaware of the outreach at the time, Brees gave it serious consideration. He even conducted a private throwing session to assess his condition. However, discomfort in his wrist during the workout led him to abandon the idea.
“Realizing his body could no longer perform at the required level, Brees canceled his potential return,” an insider revealed.
If Brees had returned, it would have marked an extraordinary one-game comeback, as he had been retired from the NFL for five years since 2021. Nonetheless, the physical challenges were significant, with the idea of playing in an intense AFC title game without recent practice adding risk.
Furthermore, playing a single active game snap would have delayed his Hall of Fame induction. Originally set for August 2026, it would have shifted to 2031 due to the retirement clock being reset.
On the “New Heights” podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce, Brees reflected on the Miami Dolphins’ decision in 2006. Team doctors gave his shoulder a 25% recovery chance, leading to his release. This decision by Nick Saban haunted the Dolphins, as Brees went on to excel with the Saints.
Ultimately, Jarrett Stidham started the game, and the Broncos lost 10-7 to New England. Denver continues to wonder about the possible outcomes if Brees had made his return.
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