I Can’t Throw 15 Yards: Brees discusses failed Broncos bid and Hall of Fame odds.

Drew Brees, approaching 50, was discussed as a potential backup option for the Denver Broncos during the AFC Championship run, a wild but plausible scenario given his past with the team and its coaching staff. Yet as time wore on, the reality of his physical limitations became clear. A training session with his son, Callen, underscored how much his shoulder and right wrist had deteriorated, leaving him without the needed pop to throw effectively.

During a period when speculation ran high, Brees acknowledged that he could not throw with the required velocity. Speaking publicly, he described his right shoulder and wrist as worn out, conceding that even short throws lacked the necessary pop. This diagnosis came in the context of reports that he had considered returning to the field for the AFC Championship Game after Denver’s quarterback Bo Nix fractured his ankle in an overtime playoff victory over the Buffalo Bills. The discussions reportedly included conversations with former Saints coaches who were on Denver’s staff at the time, including offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and offensive assistant Pete Carmichael.

Brees has previously expressed a willingness to help the organization in any capacity and indicated a readiness to compete if the opportunity aligned with his physical condition. In recent interviews, he described a period of mental readiness paired with physical limitations, noting that while his mind remained sharp, his body—especially the shoulder and wrist—was not up to the task.

In that season, Bo Nix had a strong performance in the Broncos’ victory against Buffalo, throwing 279 passing yards with three touchdowns and adding 29 rushing yards. Nix was injured on a designed quarterback sweep; his ankle injury forced him to leave the field, though he remained for one final play to complete a pass that helped secure the win. Jarrett Stidham later stepped in for the AFC Championship Game.

The hypothetical scenario of Brees returning to play late in his career would have reunited him with familiar coaches and potentially allowed him to compete at a high level again. However, pursuing a return would have implications for his Hall of Fame eligibility, as re-entering active play could reset the five-year waiting period. Hall of Fame officials indicated that such a move wouldn’t jeopardize his status, noting that he could return to the field without altering his position in the Hall of Fame.

Ultimately, Brees acknowledged that his body could not support a comeback, even if his mind remained eager. While the prospect generated excitement among fans, his shoulder and right wrist ultimately determined the outcome. Looking back, he can still reflect on a legendary career and the accolades that define his legacy, including his Hall of Fame induction.