• Loading stock data...
Sunday, July 13, 2025

‘Hard Pass’: NFL TV Networks Have Little Interest In Drew Brees

  • Former Super Bowl MVP eying possible return to sports TV.
  • Legendary QB lasted only one season at NBC.
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Sports TV can be an unforgiving business if you’re perceived as a failure. Witness the challenges facing former NBC Sports football analyst Drew Brees.

The likable Brees is one of the most successful quarterbacks in history, winning a Super Bowl MVP, earning 13 Pro Bowl selections and leading the NFL in passing a record seven times. 

But Brees left NBC after only one year, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family. 

When the former New Orleans Saints superstar threw up a Hail Mary pass this week about possibly returning to broadcasting, the news was met with a collective yawn by some of the NFL’s TV partners. 

“Hard pass,” one executive told Front Office Sports. Another had an equally blunt answer when asked if his network had any interest in a legendary QB who’s thrown for more passing yards than any player except Tom Brady. “None.”

When NBC hired Brees, he was viewed as the heir apparent to Cris Collinsworth on “Sunday Night Football,” the most-watched TV show in prime time for a record 11 years in a row. 

But he didn’t impress either in the studio or during games in his one season working NBC’s NFL and Notre Dame coverage.

Media critics were merciless after Brees’ poor playoff debut calling the Cincinnati Bengals-Las Vegas Raiders Wild Card game this year.

“As a connoisseur of bad announcing, what was funny about Drew Brees wasn’t that he was awkward, a la Jason Witten. He just had nothing to say,” tweeted Bryan Curtis of The Ringer. “When [Mike] Tirico asked him to set up the last drive, Brees said the Raiders should get out of bounds to stop the clock.”

Wrote Andy Nesbitt of USA TODAY: “Brees was so bad throughout the game that he had fans actually wishing that Jason Witten was back calling games. That is not good. Not good at all.”

But don’t consign the 43-year-old Brees to the Sports TV Hall of Shame along with Witten, Ray Lewis, and Emmitt Smith just yet.

You could argue both Brees and NBC should have given the experiment more than one year before pulling the plug. Or that he got a raw deal from the network.

During an appearance with the AP Pro Football Podcast, Brees said he might be more suited to a freewheeling alternate feed such as ESPN2’s popular “ManningCast” of “Monday Night Football” with Peyton and Eli Manning.

“I think the world by which the fans consume the game is also changing. I think you see a lot of these alternative broadcasts that are taking place. It’s really kind of an interesting way to watch the game and hear the game and learn about the game,” Brees told the AP.  

So will we see Brees full-time again in the studio or broadcast booth? Given what happened to Witten and other TV flops, the answer is probably no. But Brees still has cards he can play. 

Amazon Prime Video had interest in Brees as part of a possible “QB-Only” MegaCast of “Thursday Night Football,” said sources. CBS Sports and Fox Sports broadcast multiple NFL games, not just one national game like NBC. They usually add and subtract big names every off-season.

And don’t count out a reunion between NBC and Brees, who just became part-owner of a pro Pickleball franchise.

The Purdue University legend and NBC parted on good terms. It would make sense for the ex-Boilermakers QB (who still holds several Big Ten Conference passing records) to be part of NBC’s Big Ten coverage starting in 2023.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL

30 NFL Second-Rounders Still Unsigned With Camps Set to Open

Saturday is the earliest rookie report date for training camp.

Najee Harris Contract Situation Unclear Following Fireworks Injury

The running back signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Chargers in March.

Featured Today

May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.
July 12, 2025

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.
July 11, 2025

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
Jul 10, 2025; Wimbledon, United Kingdom; Iga Swiatek of Poland at her on court interview after winning her match against Belinda Bencic of Switzerland on day 11 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

Wimbledon Set to Deliver Strong Finals Matchup for ESPN

Novak Djokovic is still in the hunt for his 25th Grand Slam.
Feb 7, 2025; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies center Tarris Reed Jr. (5) reacts after his basket against the St. John's Red Storm in the first half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion.
July 8, 2025

After Decade Apart, ESPN and Big East Rekindle Media Rights Relationship

After a decade-plus apart, the network will stream hundreds of conference events.
Paige Bueckers
exclusive
July 8, 2025

Women’s March Madness Expansion Wouldn’t Yield More ESPN Money

ESPN is not required to pay extra if women’s March Madness expands.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Jul 6, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Mexico forward Marcel Ruiz (14) heads the ball in front of United States midfielder Brenden Aaronson (11) in the second half during the 2025 Gold Cup Final at NRG Stadium.
July 7, 2025

USMNT Struggles Still Produce Big Gold Cup Ratings for Fox

The U.S. team’s recent issues culminated in a loss to Mexico.
July 2, 2025

Paramount Settles Trump Suit Ahead of NFL Season, Skydance Merger

The deal likely allows the much larger Skydance merger deal to proceed.
Leo Messi
June 27, 2025

TNT, Club World Cup Ride Messi to Surprisingly Solid Debut Ratings

TNT Sports carries about a third of matches in the U.S.
June 24, 2025

Fever vs. Aces Draws 5th-Largest TV Audience of 2025 WNBA Season

ESPN will carry seven more Indiana Fever games this year.