In an interview with ESPN Radio on Tuesday, former Saints quarterback and NFL passing leader Drew Brees revealed that an old shoulder injury now prevents him from throwing with his right arm.
The 44-year-old admitted that if the injury he sustained while still with the San Diego Chargers did not cause degenerative damage, he might still be under center.
"I thought I may never play again," explained Brees, referring to mindset following his dislocated shoulder at the end of the 2005 season. "That kind of put me on the fast track to a degenerative shoulder, and all kinds of arthritic changes. I don't throw with my right arm anymore. If I could, I would absolutely still be playing."
The 13-time Pro Bowler finished his career in 2021 as the league's most prolific passer with 80,358 career passing yards, which was later surpassed by Tom Brady (89,214) to make him second all-time. He is also just behind Brady (649) in all-time touchdown passes with 571.
"I'll let you in on a little fact, I don't throw with my right arm anymore," Brees admitted. "My right arm does not work. When I throw in the backyard right now, I throw left-handed."
Now the 44-year-old Brees is forced to take up other activities to stay in shape and remain competitive, like the sport of pickleball – a growing craze sweeping the nation.
"I can play pickleball just because it's below the waist," Brees explained. "But anything above my shoulders, I have a hard time with."
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