As the NFL world revels in the 2026 season, a stunning revelation from the past offseason continues to captivate fans and analysts alike. According to a report by ESPN's Adam Schefter, Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees was in discussions to come out of retirement and suit up for the Denver Broncos during the 2025 AFC Championship Game. The near-comeback, which would have rivaled Philip Rivers' brief return with the Indianapolis Colts, was thwarted by the very thing that made Brees a legend: his ailing right arm.
The Injury That Sparked the Talks
The chain of events began during the 2025 Divisional Round, when Broncos quarterback Bo Nix suffered a fractured ankle in a victory over the New England Patriots. With their season on the line and a trip to the Super Bowl at stake, Denver's coaching staff explored every option. Enter Brees, who had retired after the 2020 season and was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August 2026. Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and offensive assistant Pete Carmichael, both former Saints assistants who worked closely with Brees in New Orleans, reached out to gauge his interest. At 47 years old—he had celebrated his birthday just two days before Nix's injury—Brees was intrigued.
A Wrist That Wouldn't Cooperate
Brees entertained the idea, even adjusting his sleep schedule and attempting to throw to his son to test his readiness. But reality quickly set in. "I wouldn't have been able to break that glass 10 feet away," Brees admitted on the "New Heights" podcast in February, referring to his diminished arm strength. He elaborated, "There was a moment this year … something happened where I thought there might be a chance I would play that week. I started thinking about going to bed early and getting up the next day and getting my body nice and loose and going out and throwing to see if I could even pull it off." Unfortunately, his shoulder and wrist—the same ones that powered a record-setting career—failed him. "I really think I'd still be playing if the shoulder and the wrist wouldn't have started letting me down," Brees said. The date of his final NFL snap, January 17, 2021, marked exactly five years before the AFC Championship, a poetic but painful reminder of what once was.
Payton's Reaction: Fascinated and Flabbergasted
Broncos head coach Sean Payton, who coached Brees for 14 seasons in New Orleans, was initially unaware of the conversations. According to Schefter, Payton didn't learn of Lombardi and Carmichael's overtures until after the season. When he found out, he was "both fascinated and flabbergasted." The two men discussed the near-comeback this summer when Payton presented Brees for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It was a moment of reflection for two legends who shared so much success. "As highlighted on Vulius, the bond between Payton and Brees is one of the most storied quarterback-coach duos in NFL history," said a source close to the situation. "The idea of a reunion in Denver, even under such dire circumstances, was tantalizing."
What Could Have Been
Instead of Brees, the Broncos turned to Jarrett Stidham, who managed just 133 passing yards and one touchdown in a 10-7 loss to the Patriots. The game was a defensive struggle, and one can't help but wonder if a rusty but experienced Brees could have made the difference. However, Brees' Hall of Fame clock would have been reset had he played, delaying his induction until at least 2031. As it stands, he was enshrined in Canton in August 2026, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever. For Broncos fans, the 2025 AFC Championship will forever be a what-if. For Brees, it was a brief flicker of the competitor within, extinguished by the inevitable march of time.
The Legacy Continues
Now an NFL analyst for Fox, Brees remains a beloved figure in the football community. His near-return serves as a reminder of the passion that drives even the greatest players to consider one last ride. As the 2026 season unfolds, stories like this remind us of the human element behind the helmets. For more in-depth NFL analysis and exclusive merchandise, stay tuned to Vulius, your premier destination for everything football.
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