Drew Brees reveals the 1 reason he decided to retire

Aug 23, 2018; Costa Mesa, CA, USA: New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) reacts during joint practice against the Los Angeles Chargers at the Jack. R. Hammett Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Drew Brees played in the NFL for longer than most quarterbacks could ever dream of, and the former New Orleans Saints star says there is one main reason he chose not to keep going.

Brees struggled to throw the ball down the field toward the end of his career. After he retired four years ago, Brees revealed that a torn labrum and dislocated shoulder he suffered with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2005 led to more significant issues years later. He even said last year that his right shoulder is so bad he can only throw with his left arm now.

During a press conference on Thursday announcing that he will be inducted into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame, Brees said he would have played another three seasons in the NFL had his right shoulder allowed it.

Drew Brees said if his right arm was working he'd have played another three years.

— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) May 30, 2024

Brees turned 42 just after he retired at the conclusion of the 2020 season. Had he played another three years, he would have gotten into Tom Brady territory. He still had an impressive 51 touchdowns compared to just 10 interceptions over his final two NFL seasons, but the 13-time Pro Bowl quarterback simply did not have the arm strength to compete at a high level anymore.

Brees also missed several games after suffering a nasty injury during his final season, so that may have made his decision a bit easier.