Drew Brees nearly pulled a Philip Rivers with the Broncos, per ESPN report
· Yahoo Sports
If you thought Philip Rivers' return to become the Colts' starting quarterback last season was a shocking development, Purdue football great Drew Brees reportedly discussed an even more improbable return.
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ESPN reported Brees and Denver Broncos coaches discussed Brees returning to play for the franchise in last year's AFC Championship Game. The Broncos lost quarterback Bo Nix to an ankle injory in their AFC Divisional Round victory over the Buffalo Bills.
Brees, 47, had not played a game since his retirement from the New Orleans Saints after the 2020 season. According to ESPN, he wanted to work out prior to making any commitments. After doing so, he said he encountered wrist pain and decided against pursuing a return.
ESPN's report said even Broncos coach Sean Payton -- Brees' coach with the Saints -- did not know of the discussions until the summer.
The Broncos instead went with their actual backup, Jarret Stidham, in a 10-7 loss to the New England Patriots.
Brees said in a 2023 interview he no longer threw right-handed, throwing only with his left arm even in his backyard. "My right arm does not work," he said. The ESPN report did not say which arm Brees would have used upon his theoretical return.
Rivers also had not played since 2022 before returning to quarterback the desperate Colts last season at age 44. He started three games, all losses, while completing 63% of his passes and throwing four touchdowns against three interceptions.
Brees already achieved one impressive comeback in his career. He suffered a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder in the final game of the 2005 season while playing for the San Diego Chargers and underwent surgery that January. That led to his departure to New Orleans.
He went on to lead the NFL in passing yards seven times and passing touchdowns four times. Those years, including a Super Bowl victory, led to his enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame last summer.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Drew Brees nearly pulled a Philip Rivers with the Broncos, per ESPN report