Phillip Rivers, eat your heart out.
According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday night, Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees seriously considered coming out of retirement to play for former head coach Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos in last season’s AFC title game.
The Broncos needed a quarterback after Bo Nix fractured his ankle in the Broncos’ wild overtime win over the Buffalo Bills the week prior. Brees, who had just turned 47, was contacted by Denver OC Joe Lombardi as well as offensive assistant Pete Carmichael. According to the report, Payton was not initially made aware of Lombardi and Carmichael’s inquiry to Brees.
Ultimately, discomfort in Brees’ wrist ended the idea shortly after it was floated, but Brees did give the prospect serious consideration, according to Schefter.
Jarrett Stidham, Denver’s backup behind Nix, started the game against the New England Patriots — and Denver very nearly escaped with a win. The game was played in very snowy conditions, leveling the playing field for Denver’s defense to give Stidham a fighting chance. Still, the Broncos fell 10-7 behind a 17-for-31 performance from Stidham, including 1 touchdown and 1 interception.
Given the conditions, it’s tough to believe the 47-year-old Brees would have performed much better.
Ethan Stone is a Saturday Down South News Editor and an advocate for the return of the Seattle Supersonics.