Drew Brees rules out NFL return, says shoulder won't cooperate

Drew Brees has officially ruled out an NFL return, citing a lingering shoulder injury that has limited his throwing ability. The 47-year-old former New Orleans Saints quarterback, who retired in 2020 after 20 seasons, revealed on the Bussin' With The Boys podcast that he can no longer throw with his right arm.

Brees underwent shoulder surgery toward the end of his career and now relies on his left arm for casual throwing. He explained, 'I would know where to throw it, I just don’t know if I could get it there. That’s one lingering effect from the shoulder surgery. I don’t throw with my right arm anymore. I actually throw left-handed.'

What Brees said

• Brees, 47, retired after the 2020 season and is now a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (Class of 2026).
• He completed 67.7% of his passes for 80,358 yards and 571 touchdowns, second all-time behind Tom Brady.
• Rumors of a comeback surfaced last season after Philip Rivers returned from retirement, but Brees dismissed any chance.
• He now throws left-handed with his children, noting he's 'pretty mean inside of 30' with his non-dominant arm.

Brees spent the majority of his career with the Saints after beginning with the San Diego Chargers. He led New Orleans to a Super Bowl XLIV victory and was named Super Bowl MVP. His 80,358 passing yards rank second in NFL history, trailing only Brady.

The future Hall of Famer remains involved in football through media and business ventures but has made it clear his playing days are over. Brees was inducted into the Hall of Fame earlier this year alongside Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly, Adam Vinatieri, and Roger Craig.