NFL legend Drew Brees admits he wants to return to the broadcasting booth… as he praises Tom Brady for entering new chapter ‘the right way’

Former Saints star Drew Brees wants to return to an NFL broadcasting booth, he admitted in a new interview.

Brees, who announced his retirement in 2021, joined NBC immediately after – though he spent just one season there and was mostly used as a studio analyst for pro games, rather than as a color commentator.

Now, he’s told Front Office Sports Today that he’s seeking another chance to call games.

‘I think I could be the absolute best at it, if given the opportunity,’ Brees said. ‘I valued my time at NBC so much, for that year after I played, I spent most of that time in-studio on Sunday Night Football, having to work with some incredible people. 

‘But I didn’t really get the chance to broadcast NFL games. And that’s what I feel like I’m most qualified to do. That’s what I feel like I’m most passionate about. And certainly where my knowledge base lies, right? Telling the story of the game, getting you inside the huddle, getting you inside the quarterback’s head, letting you know how we’re attacking this defense. That to me is something I’d love to do down the road when the time is right.’

Tom Brady began his 10-year, $375 million deal as Fox Sports’ lead NFL analyst on Sunday

Brees did call college games for Notre Dame during his time with NBC, but did not receive many opportunities to call NFL action, with his playoff debut widely panned by fans in early 2022.

Nonetheless, NBC Sports chairman Pete Bevacqua told the AP that year that Brees’ choice to step away from the network was ‘a lifestyle choice,’ citing the ex-quarterback’s desire to spend more time with his family.

Brees’ latest comments were published just before the broadcasting debut of another former star quarterback, Tom Brady.

The seven-time Super Bowl winner began his 10-year, $375million deal with Fox on Sunday by calling the Cowboys’ win at the Browns alongside Kevin Burkhardt.

And Brady, who retired (for good) in February 2023, was praised by his ex-rival Brees for the more patient path he’d taken into broadcasting. 

 Brady was slammed by NFL fans on social media over his broadcasting debut on Fox

‘I think he’s done it the right way,’ Brees said. ‘He sat out a year. I think he took time to just kind of relax and reflect a little bit and also prepare. 

‘At the end of the day, there’s a knowledge base that Tom Brady has that very few people have, right? And there’s some insight that I think there’ll be a lot of golden nuggets with each and every one of those broadcasts.’

Brady was slammed by some fans on X for his performance during the game, with one labeling the showing ‘atrocious.’

‘Maybe someone should have listened to Tom Brady actually say words before dropping $300 million on him,’ another posted.’

It’s clear that broadcasting is a different beast than playing, but Brady – and Brees too, he hopes – will have plenty more reps to improve.