A wave of speculation ignited after a rumor emerged that former NFL star Drew Brees would not be returning to NBC as a studio analyst in 2022. Then, Brees added fuel to the fire with a comical social media post that some took to mean he was possibly returning to the field. New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen said that the post was “made in jest.”

Well, Brees' future received clarity on Wednesday, as his official status with NBC was revealed, per ESPN.

NBC Sports chairman Pete Bevacqua told The Associated Press that Brees will not be a part of the network's NFL and Notre Dame coverage this year.

Brees will not return to NBC in 2022. NBC Sports chairman Pete Bevacqua cited the former NFL star's desire to spend more time with his family.

The NBC chairman said it was “totally understandable” that Brees, who went from the rigors of playing every Sunday with the Saints to an “around-the-clock” analyst job, made this “lifestyle choice.”

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JC Latham (Alabama), Chris Braswell (Alabama not Jaguars), Cornelieus Johnson (Michigan) in action behind a New Orleans Saints logo with a 2024 NFL Draft background.

Dylan Bruton ·

While it might be tempting for some to speculate about Brees' possible return to the Saints or the NFL, it appears that that ship has sailed as well.

After a long and fruitful NFL career, Brees is content to spend his retirement with his family. While he could one day return to a role as an analyst, for now, the former star will be staying away from the booth and the studio.