Drew Brees got the NFL world talking on Sunday when he tweeted that he was “currently undecided” about his future.
The message came in wake of rumors that Brees was leaving his gig at NBC after just one season. Brees denied that he was officially done with the network and outlined that he was considering remaining there and potentially playing football again, among other options.
Despite speculation from media about my future this fall, I’m currently undecided. I may work for NBC, I may play football again, I may focus on business and philanthropy, I may train for the pickleball tour, senior golf tour, coach my kids or all of the above. I’ll let you know
— Drew Brees (@drewbrees) May 15, 2022
MORE: Why Drew Brees is done at NBC, explained
The mention of playing football raised eyebrows and got many thinking about Brees playing again. However, many others thought that the comments were made in jest and that Brees was just poking fun at the speculation about his future at NBC.
It seems more likely that it was the latter given the most recent report about his future.
ESPN’s Ed Werder tweeted Tuesday that he believes that he isn’t taking Brees’ comments about playing football seriously. Part of that is because Brees had surgery on his non-throwing shoulder just two weeks ago and would have to fully recover from that before being able to play.
Knowing Drew Brees over the years, I do not take seriously his recent social media posts about unretiring to play QB in the #NFL. For one thing, he had left shoulder surgery two weeks ago and would be physically unable to play until at least September or October, per a source.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) May 17, 2022
As such, it seems far more likely that Brees, 43, will remain off the field. It’s just a matter of what he wants to do next.
MORE: What’s next for Drew Brees after reported NBC exit?
Brees last played in the NFL during the 2020 season. He went 9-3 as the Saints’ starter in the regular season and completed 70.5 percent of his passes for 2,942 yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Despite the solid numbers, Brees’ arm showed signs of decline during his final season. His 7.5 yards per attempt matched his worst mark in that category since 2010, and he averaged just 6.9 yards per attempt in five games after his return from injury, including the playoffs.
So, a return never seemed likely anyway.