Drew Brees is reportedly considering retirement, and even Saints coach Sean Payton doesn’t know what his 41-year-old quarterback will decide.
“No, honestly, I don’t,” Payton said on The DA Show. “He and I spent time some after the season discussing the year, and I think he’ll spend time with his family and make a decision. We, of course, want him back. It’s hard for me because we’ve been together for so long, but man, he played at such a high level. When [Drew] was injured, Teddy played five weeks, we went 5-0 with him in there and Teddy played fantastic. [Drew] been such a staple of what we’ve done. Both sides of this will make sure the communication lines are wide open and we handle it the right way. I think he’s going to spend time with his family and make the decision that’s in his gut.”
Brees completed 74.3 percent of his passes for 2,979 yards, 27 touchdowns and four interceptions in 11 games this season. If there was a drop-off in his play, it wasn’t evident.
Still, many former players say that once you think about retirement, you’re already retired. Payton, though, isn’t worried that Brees apparently has a decision to make.
“No, just knowing his preparation – and I completely understand that question, and I get it,” Payton said. “We use this term all the time: they’ve retired; they just haven’t announced it yet and they’re still actively playing. I think the way he prepares and what he’s put forth relative to his career, I think winning is the most important thing. The most important factor would be an opportunity to get back in this game in Tampa Bay next year. There’s only one way he’s going to approach playing, and that’s 110 percent. That’s what’s made him a Hall of Fame player.”