Drew Brees, the legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback, was in discussions with the Denver Broncos about a potential return to the NFL for the 2025 AFC Championship Game. The conversations occurred after Broncos quarterback Bo Nix suffered a fractured ankle during a Divisional Round victory over the New England Patriots last January.
According to an ESPN report, Brees, who would have been 47 years old at the time, engaged with Denver's then-offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and offensive assistant Pete Carmichael. Both coaches had previously worked with Brees during his tenure with the Saints. The discussions centered on Brees being ready to play in the AFC Championship Game the following Sunday.
However, five years after his final NFL snap on January 17, 2021, Brees' body proved unable to meet the demands of an immediate return. He indicated in a previous appearance on the "New Heights" podcast that physical limitations, specifically in his wrist and shoulder, were the primary obstacles. "I really think I’d still be playing if the shoulder and the wrist wouldn’t have started letting me down," Brees stated.
Instead of a Hall of Fame quarterback under center, the Broncos turned to Jarrett Stidham, who threw for 133 yards and one touchdown in Denver's 10-7 loss to the Patriots in the AFC Championship. This outcome meant the Broncos missed the Super Bowl.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton, who coached Brees for 14 seasons with the Saints, was reportedly unaware of the discussions between Brees and his offensive staff until after the season concluded. Upon learning of the near-comeback attempt, Payton expressed a mixture of fascination and astonishment. He and Brees later discussed the matter during the summer.
A return for the AFC Championship Game would have potentially complicated Brees' eligibility for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Players typically must wait five years after their careers end to be inducted. The proximity of this potential comeback to his final game added a layer of intrigue to the situation.