Drew Brees almost made a wild comeback for the Denver Broncos last season after Bo Nix injured his ankle, a story that got a whole lot clearer recently. Forget the rumors about who called whom, because Brees himself just spilled the tea: he was the one reaching out to Broncos assistants Pete Carmichael Jr. and Joe Lombardi, pitching the idea of returning to play in the AFC Championship Game. Talk about a bombshell!
When the Hall of Fame Comes Knocking, You Still Answer Broncos Calls
This whole wild tale unfolded on a Monday, January 19th, last season. The news had just dropped that Bo Nix was out with a foot injury after the divisional round. And what was Brees doing that very same day? He was getting the official knock from the Hall of Fame! Jim Porter, the president of the Hall of Fame, and Dan Fouts were right there, giving him the incredible news. Can you even imagine that moment? But Brees, ever the competitor, had a question for Porter right then: “Well, I guess this means I can’t go back and play for the Broncos this week.” Porter’s answer? “Actually, you can do whatever you want. Voting’s already been done, you’re in, you can do whatever you want.” That’s when Brees said he “flipped the switch.”
The Backyard Tryout That Sealed His Fate
Immediately after that Hall of Fame conversation, Brees fired off texts to Carmichael and Lombardi, his former offensive coordinator and quarterback coach with the Saints who were then with the Broncos. He asked them, “You guys need me this week? I might be able to be ready.” The coaches were hyped, responding, “Are you serious? We’ll go down and tell Sean [Payton] right now.” But Brees held them off, saying, “Wait, let me get up tomorrow. Let me give this thing a go.” So the next morning, he tried it out. He had his 13-year-old son catching balls for him in the backyard. Unfortunately for Broncos fans, the arm wasn’t what it used to be. Brees explained that “it just was not happening with the right side.” He noted he “would have been lethal” inside the 20 with his left side and “could have gotten them in and out of the right plays,” but ultimately, “it wasn’t going to happen.” The dream of a Drew Brees playoff comeback ended right there in his backyard.
So, a Hall of Fame career stayed retired. No last-gasp playoff run for the Broncos with a legendary QB under center, just a fascinating glimpse into what almost was.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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