Saints Legend Drew Brees Makes Heartbreaking Post-Retirement Admission

It's been six years since former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees last threw a pass in the NFL.

Brees, who was a first-ballot Hall of Famer this year, will be remembered fondly as one of the best passers in NFL history. But his historic NFL career is having a lingering effect on him, and not in a good way.

During a recent interview on the "Bussin' With the Boys" podcast, Brees admitted an NFL comeback like the one seen by Philip Rivers last year is highly improbable because of one injury he suffered during his career that is still hindering him in retirement.

"I would know where to throw it - I just don't know if I could get it there," Brees said. "That's one lingering effect from the shoulder surgery. I don't throw with my right arm anymore. I actually throw 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. I'm pretty mean inside 30 with this left arm."

Brees had a major shoulder surgery in 2006 to fix a dislocation, labral tear, and rotator cuff impairment that could have been career-ending. The surgery extended Brees' career by 15 years, but he suffered permanent, degenerative osteoarthritis because of it.

Brees finished his 20-year career with 80,358 yards passing, 571 touchdowns, 243 interceptions, a career completion percentage of 67.7 and passer rating of 98.7.

He also was a 13-time Pro Bowler, a five time All-Pro, a two-time Offensive Player of the Year, a Comeback Player of the Year, a Super Bowl MVP, and a Super Bowl champion. He led the NFL in passing yards seven times, completion percentage six times, touchdowns four times, and passer rating twice.

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This story was originally published June 19, 2026 at 7:02 PM.