Denver, CO – In a surprising development that surfaced after the 2025 AFC Championship Game, the Denver Broncos reportedly contacted Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees to serve as a mentor for the team during the title matchup. The outreach, detailed by ESPN and sourced from Field Level Media, was initiated by assistant coaches Joe Lombardi and Pete Carmichael.
Why the Broncos sought Brees
With starting quarterback Bo Nix sidelined after a broken ankle suffered against the Buffalo Bills, Denver was scrambling for options ahead of its clash with the New England Patriots. Backup Jarrett Stidham took the field for the entire game, completing 17 of 31 passes for 133 yards, one touchdown and one interception in a 10‑7 loss that sent the Patriots to Super Bowl LX.
Facing a critical postseason moment, the Broncos’ coaching staff reportedly believed Brees’s extensive experience could provide valuable guidance. Brees, then 47, had retired after a distinguished 20‑year career, finishing as the NFL’s all‑time leader in passing yards (80,358) and second in touchdown passes (571). He and former Saints head coach Sean Payton enjoyed a 15‑year partnership that produced a Super Bowl championship in the 2009 season.
Brees declined the offer
According to the report, Brees considered the proposal but ultimately declined, citing discomfort in his throwing wrist. The discussions allegedly took place without Coach Sean Payton’s knowledge or approval. When Payton learned of the outreach, ESPN said he was “both fascinated and flabbergasted.”
Payton, who now leads the Broncos, and Brees share a celebrated history, having guided the New Orleans Saints to their first Super Bowl victory. Brees was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in February 2026 and officially entered the Hall this summer.
Implications for the Broncos
While the Broncos ultimately relied on Stidham for the championship game, the episode highlights the lengths teams may go to seek veteran insight during high‑stakes moments. The Broncos’ loss underscores the challenges of depth at the quarterback position, especially when injuries strike late in the season.
For Denver fans, the story adds a layer of intrigue to an already dramatic postseason run. It also serves as a reminder of the enduring respect former players command across the league, even years after retirement.
Context on Hall of Fame eligibility
The article also noted that Brees’s Hall of Fame eligibility had been confirmed after he met the five‑year waiting period last summer. A return to active play would normally reset that clock, but his potential comeback would have created an unusual situation because he was already a finalist for the Class of 2026. A similar scenario occurred with quarterback Philip Rivers, who reset his eligibility after coming out of retirement with the Indianapolis Colts.
Both cases illustrate the NFL’s rules surrounding Hall of Fame candidacy and the complexities that arise when retired stars consider a return to the field.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
