How Sean Payton’s Secret Drew Brees Comeback Plan to Replace Bo Nix Fell Apart

In late 2025, as the Denver Broncos prepared for the AFC Championship, they faced a critical situation when their young quarterback Bo Nix suffered a severe ankle injury. Seeking a solution, the team’s offensive coordinator Sean Payton received unexpected news from two of his longtime assistants, Pete Carmichael and Joel Lombardi.

The coaches had secretly contacted 47-year-old Drew Brees, exploring the possibility of Brees returning to the NFL to replace Nix in the critical game. Brees agreed to work out first to assess his physical condition; however, upon attempting a throw, he experienced wrist pain, which ultimately ended his comeback attempt.

Despite Brees’ setback, the Broncos still considered the idea of bringing him in, as Payton was unaware of the initial discussions. If Brees had performed well during his workout, he would have faced a choice between becoming the starter alongside Jarrett Stidham or replacing Nix altogether. Payton discovered the plan during the offseason, and upon learning about it, he was reminded of a similar situation from 2021 when COVID-19 and injuries forced the Saints to consider Brees’ return once again.

Had Brees played, he would have turned 47 years old and would have been five years removed from his last NFL game, making him the second-oldest quarterback to ever play in a game, behind only George Blanda. The Broncos ultimately chose to stick with Stidham as the backup, who started the AFC Championship game and led the team to a narrow defeat against the New England Patriots.

Brees, meanwhile, enjoyed a successful career following his retirement, becoming a respected analyst for Fox Sports. The near-comeback plan will be remembered as one of the most intriguing "what-if" scenarios in recent NFL history.