Drew Brees Considered Comeback for Broncos in AFC Championship Game

<p>Hours before the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos played on "Monday Night Football", NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that 47-year-old Drew Brees nearly came out of retirement to start for Denver in the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots last season.</p><p>After Broncos quarterback Bo Nix sustained an ankle injury during overtime in the divisional round, Denver turned to backup Jarrett Stidham. This prompted Broncos assistants Joe Lombardi and Pete Carmichael, both former Saints coaches, to reach out to Brees.</p><p>Head coach Sean Payton was unaware of these discussions until months later. Brees reportedly took the offer seriously and conducted a private throwing workout to assess his arm strength.</p><p>However, wrist discomfort during the workout led Brees to reconsider, and he ultimately decided against the comeback.</p><p>Had Brees returned, it would have marked a notable comeback, as he had not played in an NFL game since retiring in 2021.</p><p>Throwing a 47-year-old into a freezing, snowy AFC title game without practice would have posed significant physical risks.</p><p>Additionally, participating in a single active snap would have reset his five-year retirement clock, delaying his Hall of Fame induction from August 2026 to 2031.</p><p>On the "New Heights" podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce, Brees recounted how the Miami Dolphins rejected him in 2006 after team doctors assessed his shoulder's recovery chances at 25%. Nick Saban later expressed regret over that decision, acknowledging it impacted the Dolphins' success and led Brees to New Orleans.</p><p>Ultimately, Stidham started, the Broncos lost 10-7 to New England, leaving Denver to ponder what might have been.</p>