Drew Brees isn’t ready to close the chapter on his broadcasting ambitions—especially when it comes to calling NFL games from the booth. During an interview on The Dan Patrick Show Friday, the former Super Bowl champion reflected on his short-lived stint with NBC Sports, pushing back on the perception that his brief time on the air marked a failed attempt at life after football.
“I get the perception that somehow I failed at being a broadcaster,” Brees said. “I got two opportunities to broadcast NFL games, and they were eight weeks apart. I did one game in New Orleans for Thanksgiving and one playoff game.”
Despite the limited reps, Brees maintains confidence in his ability to excel in the booth.
“I have so much respect for the guys doing it right now,” he said. “But I’d step in the booth right now and be a top-three guy—without question. And give me a few years, I could be the best.”
Brees signed with NBC in 2021 and was initially positioned as a rising star in the network’s broadcast pipeline. While he did get on-air reps calling Notre Dame football and appearing on Football Night in America, his real passion—calling NFL games—wasn’t fully realized.
The 13-time Pro Bowler cited his deep understanding of the game and unique quarterback perspective as tools that would serve him—and audiences—well.
“I love talking about the game. I feel I have an insight to the game that is pretty unique given my playing experience. I see the game in a totally different way,” Brees added. “Even when I watch now, I feel like there’s so much more to add. At the end of the day I’m going to wait for the right opportunity and hopefully it comes along.”
Brees parted ways with NBC after just one season, a decision he says was entirely his, based largely on family and coaching commitments that conflicted with the network’s travel demands.
“I departed because I wanted to spend more time with my kids on weekends, coaching ball,” he said. “It didn’t work flying to Connecticut every week while also doing Notre Dame games. It was my decision to step away from NBC, it was not theirs.”
Though he emphasized his appreciation for NBC and named several executives and producers who supported him, Brees made it clear the narrative that he was pushed out is false.
“They wanted me back,” Brees said. “I think it got reported a little bit differently, and now that’s somehow become the narrative. It could not be further from the truth.”
Now, Brees will get a fresh opportunity this Christmas as part of Netflix’s foray into live NFL broadcasting. While the exact assignment is still to be announced, he sees it as a meaningful step back toward the broadcast role he’s always wanted.
“I’m appreciative of Netflix giving me the opportunity,” he said. “That’ll be a lot of fun.”
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