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 is eager to return to an NFL broadcast booth, he admitted in a new interview.

Brees, who announced his retirement in 2021, immediately joined NBC, but he spent only one season there and was used primarily as a studio analyst for professional games, rather than as a commentator.

Now he has heard it Front Office Sports Today that he is looking for another chance to report on matches.

“I think I could absolutely be the best at it if I had the opportunity,” Brees said. “I valued my time at NBC so much because that year after I played, I spent most of that time in the studio for Sunday Night Football, working with some incredible people.

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

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

Brees did cover college games for Notre Dame during his time with NBC, but didn’t get many opportunities to cover NFL games. His playoff debut widely criticized by fans early 2022.

Still, NBC Sports Chairman Pete Bevacqua told the AP that year that Brees’ decision to quit the network was “a lifestyle choice,” citing the former quarterback’s desire to spend more time with his family.

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

The seven-time Super Bowl winner began his 10-year, $375 million contract with Fox on Sunday by teaming with Kevin Burkhardt to claim the Cowboys’ victory over the Browns.

And Brady, who retired (for good) in February 2023, was praised by his former rival Brees for the patient path he had taken in broadcasting.

Brady was criticized by NFL fans on social media for his debut as a host on Fox

“I think he’s done it the right way,” Brees said. “He’s been sidelined for a year. I think he’s taken some time to relax and kind of reflect and prepare himself a little bit.

“At the end of the day, Tom Brady has a knowledge base that very few people have, right? And there’s an insight that I think there’s going to be a lot of golden nuggets with each of those broadcasts.”

Brady was criticized by some X fans for his performance during the game, with one calling his performance “terrible.”

“Maybe someone should have listened to Tom Brady before spending $300 million on him,” wrote another.

Obviously, broadcasting is a very different story than playing, but Brady — and Brees, he hopes — will need to play many more practice games to improve.