Former NFL quarterback Drew Brees may have had a short-lived stint as a broadcaster, but longtime sports broadcaster Joe Buck believes he didn’t have enough time to prove himself. Speaking on “Sports Media” podcast with The Athletic’s Richard Deitsch, Buck expressed his belief that Brees deserved another chance in the announcer’s booth.
Buck went on to say that if anyone was created to be a top analyst at a network, it’s Drew Brees. However, Brees only had one game to showcase his skills as a color commentator, working with a new crew and play-by-play announcer. Buck deemed it unfair that Brees faced high expectations and any comment he made was blown out of proportion on social media.
During the 2021 football season, Brees worked for NBC as a color commentator for Notre Dame games and as a studio analyst for “Sunday Night Football” alongside play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico. He also called the Cincinnati Bengals-Las Vegas Raiders playoff game for NBC, which received some criticism.
Following the season, NBC and Brees mutually decided to part ways. While it was initially believed that NBC wasn’t satisfied with Brees’ performance in the playoffs, the former Super Bowl-winning quarterback stated that he left for family reasons.
The question now arises: Could Brees make a return to the announcer’s booth? Brees had always been highly regarded by producers, directors, and other on-air NFL talent during production meetings when he was still a player. He possessed excellent communication skills, a broad understanding of the game, and the credentials of a future Hall of Famer. Additionally, Brees had a good relationship with NFL officials, including Commissioner Roger Goodell.
However, Brees’ tenure at NBC didn’t go as expected. His playoff debut as an analyst was rough, highlighting his lack of experience in that role. But improvement is common in sports broadcasting, especially with dedication and practice.
If Brees were interested in returning to NFL broadcasting, his name alone would likely open doors for him, even if it meant starting on a lower-tier broadcast team. Ego plays a significant role in sports broadcasting, and Brees’ status as a potential Hall of Famer and household name among football fans would make him an attractive option for networks.
In conclusion, while Drew Brees’ first attempt at sports broadcasting may not have gone as planned, there is still a chance for him to make a comeback. With his natural talent for communication, football expertise, and esteemed reputation, it’s likely that someone would be willing to give him another opportunity to shine in the announcer’s booth.