Drew Brees: 'My right arm does not work'

Field Level Media|published: Wed 22nd November, 14:11 2023

Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; NFL former quarterback Drew Brees looks on before a wild card game between the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. credits: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Retired and future first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees said he would still be playing in the NFL if not for his right arm that "does not work" anymore, forcing him to throw left-handed.

Brees, 44, made the comments in an interview with ESPN Radio on Tuesday.

"Look, I'll let you in on a little fact. I don't throw with my right arm anymore. My right arm does not work," Brees told ESPN. "So, when I throw in the backyard right now, I throw left-handed."

Brees was on the show promoting his pickleball paddles, events he does with retired tennis great John McEnroe.

"I can play pickleball because it's below the waist but anything above my shoulder I have a hard time with," Brees told ESPN.

Brees said his condition all began with the major shoulder injury he incurred in 2005 that almost derailed his career then, if not for the repair performed by Dr. James Andrews.

"If I could, I would absolutely still be playing."

Brees retired in 2021 with 80,358 passing yards and 571 career touchdown passes, both second only to Tom Brady all time.

—Field Level Media