Drew Brees says he’s not ready to decide on retirement

Drew Brees and his wife stood alone on the Superdome sidelines, watching their children play together on the roughed-up turf. They remained in the building for nearly an hour after the New Orleans Saints were eliminated from the playoffs by the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers, soaking in every sight and sound of the moment.

But when asked if he could confirm reports that he plans to retire now that the 2020 season is behind him, all Brees could offer in a postgame conference call was a delay.

“I’m going to give myself an opportunity to think about the season, just like I did last season, and make a decision,” Brees replied. Pressed about what would go into that decision, Brees said: “I’m going to keep that to myself right now.”

Saints coach Sean Payton was similarly asked for confirmation on Brees possibly retiring, but said that topic should be handled in another press conference.

Reports had been swirling for weeks that this would be the end of the road for Brees in New Orleans, but Fox Sports insider Jay Glazer was the first to outright say it. And that carries some weight considering Glazer and Payton are famously friendly, with the head coach being his main conduit into the organization.

So we’ll see how things play out. But the writing on the wall has suggested Brees is about to enter the next chapter of his life, and so are the Saints.