Drew Brees Reflects on Challenges Following Retirement from NFL

It has been six years since Drew Brees stepped off the field after his final game as quarterback for the New Orleans Saints. Celebrated as a first-ballot Hall of Famer this year, Brees is widely regarded as one of the all-time greats in NFL history. However, the impact of his illustrious career is taking a toll on him, as he recently revealed during an appearance on the “Bussin’ With the Boys” podcast.

Brees expressed that a return to the NFL, akin to Philip Rivers' comeback last year, is highly unlikely due to lingering effects from an injury sustained during his playing days. He specifically mentioned that a major shoulder surgery he underwent continues to affect him even in retirement. “I would know where to throw it — I just don’t know if I could get it there,” Brees admitted, indicating that he has resorted to throwing left-handed. “I started doing that toward the end of my career with my kids, because I’d come home after a long day of practice, I didn’t have anything left in my right arm, but the boys wanted to play catch so I’d throw left-handed.”

The surgery Brees underwent in 2006 was significant, addressing a dislocated shoulder, a labral tear, and rotator cuff damage that could have cut his career short. While the operation extended his playing time by 15 years, it also led to permanent osteoarthritis, complicating his physical condition post-retirement.

Throughout his two-decade career, Brees amassed impressive statistics, finishing with 80,358 passing yards, 571 touchdowns, and a completion percentage of 67.7. His accolades include being named to the Pro Bowl 13 times and winning a Super Bowl, among other honors.