When NFL legend Drew Brees retired after the 2020 season, fans thought they’d seen the last of his on-field heroics. But the whispers of a potential comeback during the 2021 season had the sports world buzzing. Could Drew Brees don his New Orleans Saints jersey again to save their season? Let’s dive into this intriguing chapter of NFL history.
The New Orleans Saints’ Desperate Search for a Savior
The 2021 NFL season started with high hopes for the New Orleans Saints. With Jameis Winston at the helm, the team seemed poised for a strong run. However, disaster struck when Winston suffered a devastating torn ACL and MCL just seven games into the season. The Saints, desperate to keep their playoff dreams alive, turned to a familiar face: Drew Brees.
Brees, who had hung up his cleats at the end of the 2020 season, was tempted by the thought of a comeback. “Very,” he admitted when asked about his interest in returning, via Nick Underhill. The prospect of rejoining his team and leading them once more was hard to resist.
Drew Brees Contemplates NFL Return
One of the biggest concerns for Brees was the state of his surgically repaired throwing shoulder. Could it withstand the rigors of NFL play once again? Brees pondered this crucial question, understanding that his ability to perform at a high level was paramount. “At the end of the day, it’s like, how capable … am I to do the job, right?” Brees questioned, as reported by ESPN’s Katherine Terrell.
Despite these concerns, Drew Brees was ready to pull out all the stops. “I would’ve 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. Pull out the high school playbook,” he revealed. His willingness to adapt and innovate showed just how serious he was about making a potential return.
The New Orleans Saints Season Without Drew Brees
Ultimately, Brees decided not to return to the NFL. The Saints finished the 2021 season with a 9-8 record, narrowly missing the playoffs. During weeks 9-13, they lost five consecutive games, a stretch that severely impacted their postseason aspirations.
Trevor Sieman, stepping in as the main quarterback, posted respectable numbers with 1,154 yards, 11 touchdowns, and three interceptions, but the team couldn’t replicate the magic of Brees’ presence.
Reflecting on what might have been, it’s easy to imagine a different outcome had Brees been able to return. His experience and leadership could have provided the spark the Saints needed to make a deep playoff run. Instead, Brees remained retired, transitioning to a brief stint with NBC before moving on from broadcasting.
Drew Brees’ Legacy, Forever a New Orleans Saint
Drew Brees’ impact on the New Orleans Saints and the NFL as a whole is undeniable. Leading the Saints to a Super Bowl victory in 2009, he cemented his place as one of the greatest players in team history. His career is a testament to hard work, dedication, and an unwavering competitive spirit.
While the 2021 comeback didn’t materialize, the mere possibility of Brees’ return added another layer to his storied career. As fans, we can only wonder what might have been if his shoulder had held up. But one thing is certain: Drew Brees will always be remembered as a legend of the game.
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Sources: NFL Analysis
