Drew Brees Nearly Returned for Denver Broncos

Hours before the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos faced off on ‘Monday Night Football’, NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed surprising news. Drew Brees, at 47 years old, almost took the field for Denver in the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots last season.

After Broncos quarterback Bo Nix broke his ankle in overtime during the divisional round, the team turned to backup Jarrett Stidham. Broncos assistants Joe Lombardi and Pete Carmichael, familiar with Brees from their time with the Saints, discreetly contacted him. However, head coach Sean Payton remained unaware until months later. Brees seriously considered the offer, even conducting a private workout to assess his readiness.

Unfortunately, discomfort in his wrist during practice ended the potential comeback. Brees realized his body couldn’t perform as required and withdrew from the opportunity.

If Brees had returned, it would have marked one of the most unexpected comebacks in sports history. He hadn’t played an NFL game since retiring in 2021. Throwing a 47-year-old into an intense, snowy AFC title game without practice was a significant physical risk.

Moreover, playing a single snap would have reset his five-year retirement countdown, delaying his Hall of Fame eligibility from 2026 to 2031.

Drew Brees also shared on the ‘New Heights’ podcast how the Miami Dolphins rejected him in 2006 after team doctors doubted his shoulder’s recovery. Nick Saban later regretted this decision, as it cost the Dolphins a chance at success and led Brees to New Orleans.

Ultimately, Stidham started the game, the Broncos lost 10-7 to New England, and Denver fans were left to wonder what might have been.