Drew Brees nearly made shock return for Broncos in 2025 AFC Championship
After Bo Nix fractured his ankle in the 2025 Divisional Round, the Denver Broncos explored bringing Drew Brees back from retirement for the AFC Championship. Brees, who was 47 at the time, considered a comeback but ultimately declined due to wrist discomfort, leaving the Broncos to start rookie Jar…
In the 2025 NFL postseason, the Denver Broncos faced a sudden quarterback crisis when Bo Nix fractured his ankle in the Divisional Round win over the New England Patriots. With the AFC Championship game looming, the Broncos’ coaching staff turned to a surprising option: Saints legend Drew Brees, who had retired at age 44 after a brief stint with the Indianapolis Colts.
Who Is Drew Brees and Why He Was Considered
Drew Brees spent 16 seasons with the New Orleans Saints, leading the team to a Super Bowl title and earning numerous individual accolades. After announcing his retirement in 2021, he spent a year with the Colts before stepping away from playing entirely. By 2025, Brees was 47 and working as an NFL analyst for Fox. Despite his age, the Broncos’ then‑offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and offensive assistant Pete Carmichael, both former Saints coaches who had worked closely with Brees, reached out to the veteran to gauge his interest in a short‑term return.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the outreach was conducted without the knowledge of Broncos head coach Sean Payton. Lombardi and Carmichael wanted to confirm Brees’ willingness before presenting the idea to Payton, who had coached Brees for 14 seasons in New Orleans.
The Decision Process and Brees’ Decline
Brees reportedly agreed to meet with the Broncos’ staff and even planned to work out to assess his readiness. However, during a brief evaluation, he experienced discomfort in his wrist—a lingering issue from his final game in 2021. In a February appearance on the "New Heights" podcast, Brees reflected on the potential comeback, noting that his shoulder and wrist were not in optimal condition. "I would say my body feels great. My mind, sharp as ever. Shoulder, wrist? Not having it," he said, indicating that the physical limitations ultimately ruled him out.
With Brees declining, the Broncos turned to rookie quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who had been the team's backup during the regular season. Stidham, who had only a handful of professional reps, was thrust into the AFC Championship game against the Patriots.
Impact on the Game and the Season
Stidham’s performance was modest: 17 of 31 completions for 133 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The Broncos managed only seven points in a 10‑7 loss to New England, a game that many analysts believe could have swung in Denver’s favor with a more experienced quarterback at the helm. The loss ended Denver’s playoff run and left the team to reflect on the contingency plans that were in place for such an injury.
Broader Implications for Hall of Fame Eligibility
Brees’ potential return would have had significant implications for his Hall of Fame eligibility. Players are eligible five years after retirement, and a comeback could have reset that clock. While Brees was already slated for the 2026 Hall of Fame class, a 2025 return might have pushed his induction to 2031, similar to Philip Rivers’ delayed eligibility after his 2025 comeback with the Colts.
What Happens Next for the Broncos?
Following the loss, the Broncos’ front office has likely reassessed their depth chart and injury protocols. With Bo Nix still recovering and Stidham’s limited experience, the team may look to secure a more reliable backup for the next season. Additionally, the incident has sparked discussions about the feasibility of veteran comebacks in the modern NFL, especially for quarterbacks over 45.
For Drew Brees, the episode underscores the physical toll of a long career and the challenges of returning after retirement. While he remains a respected analyst and former player, the 2025 episode will be remembered as one of the most intriguing “what‑if” moments in recent NFL history.
Key Takeaways
- Broncos considered Drew Brees after Bo Nix’s ankle injury in the 2025 Divisional Round.
- Brees declined due to wrist discomfort, leading the team to start rookie Jarrett Stidham.
- The Broncos lost 10‑7 to the Patriots, a game that could have gone differently with a seasoned QB.
- Brees’ potential comeback would have affected his Hall of Fame eligibility timeline.
- The incident highlights the importance of depth and injury contingency planning in the NFL.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Why didn’t the Broncos inform Sean Payton before contacting Brees?
A: Lombardi and Carmichael wanted to confirm Brees’ interest before presenting the idea to Payton, as per ESPN’s report. - Q: How did Brees’ wrist issue affect his decision?
A: Brees experienced discomfort during a workout, leading him to decide against a short‑term return. - Q: What was the Broncos’ performance in the AFC Championship?
A: Jarrett Stidham threw for 133 yards, one touchdown, and one interception; the Broncos scored only seven points in a 10‑7 loss. - Q: Could Brees’ return have changed the outcome?
A: Analysts believe a more experienced quarterback might have improved Denver’s offensive consistency, potentially altering the game’s result. - Q: What does this mean for Brees’ Hall of Fame status?
A: A 2025 comeback could have delayed his induction to 2031, but he remains part of the 2026 class.
Why it matters
The story illustrates how sudden injuries can force teams to consider unconventional solutions, and it highlights the physical limits that even legendary players face when contemplating a comeback.
Key points
- Broncos explored Drew Brees after Bo Nix’s injury
- Brees declined due to wrist pain
- Jarrett Stidham started the AFC Championship
- Denver lost 10‑7 to the Patriots
- Potential impact on Brees’ Hall of Fame eligibility
Frequently asked questions
Why did the Broncos not inform head coach Sean Payton before contacting Drew Brees?
Lombardi and Carmichael wanted to confirm Brees’ interest before presenting the idea to Payton, as reported by ESPN.
What was the outcome of the Broncos’ AFC Championship game?
The Broncos lost 10‑7 to the Patriots, with rookie Jarrett Stidham throwing for 133 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
How did Drew Brees’ wrist issue affect his decision?
During a workout, Brees experienced wrist discomfort, leading him to decline the short‑term return.
What would Brees’ potential comeback have meant for his Hall of Fame eligibility?
A 2025 return could have delayed his induction to 2031, but he is already part of the 2026 class.
What are the broader implications for NFL teams?
The incident underscores the importance of depth and injury contingency planning, especially when dealing with veteran players.
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