Drew Brees admits he would’ve played 3 more years in the NFL under one condition

Brees disclosed he has lost the ability to throw with his right arm but still would have love to compete in the NFL.

Drew Brees admits he would’ve played 3 more years in the NFL under one condition

Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (Image via IMAGO)

Despite playing for 20 years in the NFL, Drew Brees felt he could have squeezed out a few more if his right arm was still 100%. The soon-to-be New Orleans Saints Hall of Famer retired in 2021 with a short spell in the broadcasting booth, but his heart was still stuck in the gridiron.

During a recent sit-down with ESPN’s Katherine Terrell, the 45-year-old disclosed his unfulfilled desire to continue playing football but had to keep himself content with retirement because he could not throw with his right arm any longer.

Honestly, man, if my right arm was still working, I probably would've played another three years. My body feels great. My body can play, [but] my right arm can't. Unfortunately, that's what kind of forced me to step away. And it was time too.
Drew Brees told Terrell on Thursday

The two-time Offensive Player of the Year recipient did consider trying out something different after the Saints placed him on injured reserve before the start of the 2021 season.

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(I would have) run QB draws, I would've done whatever. I would've done some veer options. We would've pulled out all the stops. I was ready.
Drew Brees added

However, Brees officially announced his retirement from football after NBC Sports signed him as a color analyst. He worked alongside veteran play-by-play calling legend Mike Tirico. His tenure with the network after just one year following some lackluster coverage.

Why couldn’t Drew Brees return to football?

Brees’ issue with his right arm dates back to his San Diego Chargers (now Los Angeles Chargers) days. In 2005, while attempting to recover a fumble in the New Year’s Eve game against the Denver Broncos, Brees dislocated his right shoulder.

Drew Brees admits he would've played 3 more years in the NFL under one condition
Drew Brees (Image via IMAGO)

Some would say the injury made him a better player because the very next season Brees bagged his first All-Pro accolade. His stats may be astonishingly better post-rehab, but he was struggling from a physical standpoint.

Drew Brees underwent surgery with orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews, who in a later interview revealed what happened to the Purdue graduate. Andrews disclosed that Brees’ labrum suffered a 360-degree tear. He had to use a career-high 12 anchors to repair the damage.

Brees said he could not use his right arm by the time he hung up his boots. He was using his left arm to throw a football in his backyard while playing with the kids.

December last year, he hinted that there were a few teams interested in giving him a deal. However, nothing materialized.

Following his recovery, Brees won Super Bowl XLIV, was a seven-time NFL passing leader, 13-time Pro Bowler, 4-time second-team All-Pro, 4-time NFL Passing Touchdown leader, twice NFL Passer rating leader, and 6-time NFL completion percentage leader.

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