# 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.
- Title: Drew Brees tried a comeback at 47, then threw with his son
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: drew brees, denver broncos, nfl, comeback attempt, afc championship game, bo nix, jarrett stidham, new orleans saints, retirement, hall of fame, 2026 season, news
- Source: New York Post — https://nypost.com/2026/09/15/sports/when-drew-brees-realized-his-nfl-comeback-couldnt-happen
- Published: 2026-09-15T20:38:37+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: drew brees, denver broncos, nfl, comeback attempt, afc championship game, bo nix, jarrett stidham, new orleans saints, retirement, hall of fame, 2026 season, news
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Even elite athletes can't overcome physical decline when trying to return years after retirement.