If Drew Brees retires, then the New Orleans Saints quarterback’s last year was quite taxing — both physically and emotionally. The 42-year-old endured broken ribs, struggled to throw the ball with the same precision and ultimately suffered a deflating playoff defeat Sunday to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Brees may have not had a dream ending. But speaking to reporters after New Orleans’ 30-20 loss, Brees said he had no regrets about coming back for the 2020 season.
Brees said he would “never” view it that way.
“No complaints,” Brees told reporters. “No regrets. Man, I’ve always tried to play this game with a great respect and a great reverence for it. And I appreciate all that this game has given to me. There are obviously so many incredible memories, so many incredible relationships that have come as a result of playing this game. And, man, you find out so much about yourself and you have to fight through so much when you play this game.
“And I’d say this season, I probably had to fight through more than I’ve ever had to in any other season in my career — from injury to all the COVID stuff to just crazy circumstances. And it was worth every moment of it. Absolutely.”
Brees said he would take some time to determine whether he’ll retire. But according to multiple reports, most expect Brees to hang it up.
If that’s the case, Brees is likely a first-ballot Hall of Famer — shattering records throughout his 20-year career. Brees holds the all-time record in passing yards (80,358) and completions (7,142) and is second in passing touchdowns (571). He spent 15 of those 20 years in New Orleans, where he won a Super Bowl in 2009.
In Sunday’s loss, Brees threw for just 134 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. He appeared in 12 regular-season games, finishing with 2,942 yards for 24 touchdowns to six interceptions.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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