Broncos Coaches Sought Retired Brees for AFC Championship

Denver Broncos assistant coaches reached out to retired Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees about playing in the 2025 AFC Championship Game after starter Bo Nix suffered a fractured ankle, but Brees declined after a workout revealed physical limitations. The contact was made by former offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and offensive assistant Pete Carmichael, both of whom had long-standing relationships with Brees from their time together with the New Orleans Saints. Following Nix's injury during the Broncos' Divisional Round victory over the Buffalo Bills in January, the coaches approached Brees to gauge his interest in unretiring for the conference title game. Brees, who had not played since his final snap with the Saints on January 17, 2021, told the coaches he would first need to test his body. After attempting to throw with his son, he experienced significant discomfort in his right shoulder and wrist. "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. He bluntly stated that he "can't throw 15 yards with any kind of pop," leading him to decline the opportunity.