From New York Post · · 1m 20s
Drew Brees tried a comeback at 47, then threw with his son
The Hall of Fame quarterback had talks with Denver for the AFC title game but his arm couldn't deliver.
In brief
The Hall of Fame quarterback had talks with Denver for the AFC title game but his arm couldn't deliver. Even elite athletes can't overcome physical decline when trying to return years after retirement. Originally reported by New York Post.
Broncos reached out to Brees
Denver had initial talks with the 47-year-old Hall of Famer after Bo Nix got injured in their playoff win over Buffalo.
A throwing session ended it
Brees tried throwing with his son Callen and realized his shoulder and wrist couldn't generate any power.
“I can't throw 15 yards with any kind of pop”
His body wasn't ready
Brees said he was mentally prepared and his body felt good, but his right arm and wrist had deteriorated too much over the years.
“I was mentally ready. The rest of my body? Ready. But right arm and right wrist? They lost it a long time ago.”
He wanted to help Denver
Brees knew 20 people in the Broncos organization and would have loved to help them reach and win the Super Bowl.
Stidham started the title game
Jarrett Stidham threw for 133 yards and a touchdown in Denver's 10-7 loss to New England in the AFC Championship Game.
He checked Hall of Fame rules
Brees was serious enough about the comeback that he contacted the Pro Football Hall of Fame to ask if playing would affect his eligibility.
The bottom line
Even elite athletes can't overcome physical decline when trying to return years after retirement.
