# Drew Brees changes story on Broncos contact

> The Hall of Famer now says he texted Denver, not the other way around, after initially telling ESPN the Broncos reached out.
- Title: Drew Brees changes story on Broncos contact · NBC Sports
- Summary: The Hall of Famer now says he texted Denver, not the other way around, after initially telling ESPN the Broncos reached out. Brees clarified he initiated…
- Keywords: drew brees, denver broncos, nfl tampering, sean payton, afc championship, hall of fame, bo nix injury, 2025 season, quarterback comeback, sports, Drew, Brees
- Source: NBC Sports — https://nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/drew-brees-reverses-course-says-he-texted-the-broncos-about-afc-championship
- Published: 2026-09-22T15:17:45.974+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: drew brees, denver broncos, nfl tampering, sean payton, afc championship, hall of fame, bo nix injury, 2025 season, quarterback comeback, sports
## Brees told different stories
ESPN reported the Broncos contacted Brees about playing in the 2025 AFC Championship. But coach Sean Payton said Brees called them. Now Brees is clarifying what actually happened.
## Hall of Fame call changed everything
Brees got the Hall of Fame notification on Monday, January 19th, the day after Bo Nix injured his foot. Jim Porter from the Hall of Fame told him he could do whatever he wanted.

> Voting's already been done, you're in, you can do whatever you want.
## Brees texted the Broncos staff
He immediately texted Pete Carmichael and Joe Lombardi, his former Saints coordinators who were with Denver, asking if they needed him that week.

> You guys need me this week? I might be able to be ready.
## Physical test failed quickly
The next morning, Brees tested his throwing arm in his backyard with his 13-year-old son. His right wrist and shoulder couldn't handle it, so he decided against the comeback.

> it just was not happening with the right side
## Tampering rules matter here
Whether Brees or the Broncos initiated contact could determine if the NFL enforces tampering rules. Brees remains on the Saints' reserve-retired list, making the distinction potentially significant.
## NFL hasn't commented yet
The league declined to comment on the situation last week. There's no indication the NFL will take action against Denver for the contact.
## Brees wanted it badly
He said he would have loved to reunite with Sean Payton and help the Broncos reach the Super Bowl, but his arm simply wouldn't cooperate.

> I would've loved to come back and play for the Broncos in the AFC Championship game
## The official story now
Brees initiated the contact, tested himself, and quickly realized it was physically impossible. That's the narrative that could protect Denver from league discipline.
## Key takeaway

Brees clarified he initiated contact with the Broncos about playing in the AFC Championship, which could matter for NFL tampering rules.