NFL legend Drew Brees was reportedly close to a surprising return to the field last season, with the Denver Broncos considering him to start in the AFC Championship Game. The potential comeback was initiated hours before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Broncos assistant coaches Joe Lombardi and Pete Carmichael, who previously worked with Brees on the New Orleans Saints, reached out to the then-47-year-old quarterback after starter Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the divisional round. Backup Jarrett Stidham ultimately played in the game.
Brees reportedly took the offer seriously, even holding a private throwing session to assess his arm strength. However, discomfort in his wrist during the workout led him to abandon the idea, realizing his body was no longer capable of performing at the NFL level.
Had Brees returned, it would have marked a remarkable comeback, as he had been retired for five years, last playing in 2021. His potential appearance would have also reset the clock on his Hall of Fame induction, pushing it back from August 2026 to 2031.
The Broncos ultimately lost the AFC Championship Game to the Patriots, 10-7, with Stidham under center.