Drew Brees considered ending retirement to play for Broncos last season: Report

Drew Brees entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August after waiting the mandatory five years for induction.

Few knew then, but the clock was almost reset.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Brees considered coming out of retirement in January to play for the Denver Broncos in the AFC championship game after Bo Nix fractured his ankle in the team’s playoff win over the Buffalo Bills.

Brees, who retired in 2021, was 47 years old when, according to Schefter, he spoke with then-Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and his assistant Pete Carmichael, with whom Brees had relationships from his days playing for Broncos head coach Sean Payton and his staff in New Orleans.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the discussions were short-lived. Brees “felt discomfort” in his wrist during an ensuing workout and quickly abandoned the idea, Schefter said, citing sources.

Five players were enshrined among the legends of the sport of football.

See key moments from the ceremony that shocked and delighted fans, beginning here with Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Roger Craig — who revealed his vascular dementia diagnosis during the ceremony. Craig was presented by former teammate Jamie Williams during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, Aug. 8, 2026.

Five players were enshrined among the legends of the sport of football.

See key moments from the ceremony that shocked and delighted fans, beginning here with Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Roger Craig — who revealed his vascular dementia diagnosis during the ceremony. Craig was presented by former teammate Jamie Williams during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, Aug. 8, 2026.

Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Roger Craig poses with San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York.

“Two things can be true. Football gave me the opportunities beyond anything I can imagine. At the same time we know more today about brain health than when I played. I hope sharing my story encourages people to pay attention to their health and seek help when something doesn’t feel right,” Craig said during the ceremony, according to The Repository, part of USA Today Network.

Enshrinee Drew Brees presented by former New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton during the Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony.

According to The Repository, Brees said his driving motivation throughout his NFL career was playing “for the love of my teammates.” Nothing was more special to him about football than sharing the camaraderie that comes with being a part of team and bonding in the locker room and team meetings. “This is where the magic happens.”

Enshrinee Adam Vinatieri poses with his bust during the Class of 2026 ceremony. According to The Repository, Vinatieri paid tribute to the Patriots, including his legendary coach Bill Belichick and famed quarterback Tom Brady. Of Belichick, who was controversially snubbed in this year’s Hall of Fame vote, Vinatieri said “Thank you for demanding excellence every single day.”

The record-breaking Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald poses with his bust and his son Devin Fitzgerald during the Class of 2026 ceremony. Devin, who is a freshman wide receiver at Notre Dame, served as the presenter for his father.

Enshrinee Luke Kuechly poses with his bust. Kuechly began his speech with a vignette about each fellow member of the Class of 2026. He called Drew Brees “the best player I ever played against,” one who made trips to New Orleans frightful.

Adam Vinatieri with Indianapolis Colts co-owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Grand Parade.

Lawrence Taylor with wife Lynette Rose Gordon during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Grand Parade Aug. 8, 2026 in Canton, Ohio.

Eric Dickerson during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Grand Parade.

Drew Brees during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Grand Parade.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 enshrinees Luke Kuechly, Drew Brees, Roger Craig Adam Vinatieri and Larry Fitzgerald pose with past inductees at the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Aug. 7, 2026 in Canton, Ohio.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 enshrinees Luke Kuechly, Larry Firtzgerald, Adam Vinatieri, Roger Craig and Drew Brees pose before the game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Carolina Panthers at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

Drew Brees receives gold jacket from Joe Montana during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Gold Jacket dinner at Canton Memorial Civic Center and Cultural Center on Aug. 7, 2026.

Jarrett Stidham ended up starting for the Broncos in the conference championship game. Denver lost 10-7 to the New England Patriots, who later fell to the Seahawks in the Super Bowl.

Quarterback Philip Rivers might have inspired Brees. Rivers returned to the NFL last season at 43 years old to play for the Indianapolis Colts. He went 0-3 as a starter and the Colts became the first team in 30 years to miss the playoffs after an 8-2 start to the season.