Drew Brees explains why he turned down Broncos comeback

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Drew Brees explains why he turned down Broncos comeback

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Sep 15, 2026 4:07 PM ET

Drew Brees rejected the chance to return to the Denver Broncos for last year’s AFC Championship game, and he offered a more thorough explanation as to why on Tuesday.

Brees told WFAA’s Ed Werder that he had a throwing session with his son Callen to see if he could still perform at an NFL level. The quarterback quickly determined that was not the case.

“I started trying to rip the ball to him. And man, this shoulder and this right wrist are so wasted. I got no pop,” Brees said. “So for people to say like, ‘Oh, I felt discomfort?’ Discomfort my butt, dude. I can’t throw 15 yards with any kind of pop.

“I was mentally ready. The rest of my body? Ready. But right arm and right wrist? They lost it a long time ago.”

Drew Brees on why he decided not to pursue playing for Broncos in AFC Championship Game. His throwing session with son Callen convinced him not to unretire:

“I started trying to rip the ball to him. And man, this shoulder and this right wrist are so wasted. I got no pop. So for…
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) September 15, 2026

Brees was perhaps inspired by Philip Rivers’ comeback, but Rivers was in better physical shape than Brees was. The longtime New Orleans Saints quarterback had at least some desire to play, but clearly felt he would not deliver a good performance.

The Broncos needed a quarterback after Bo Nix suffered a season-ending ankle fracture. They wound up turning to backup Jarrett Stidham in what ultimately became a 10-7 loss.

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