Drew Brees is making another run at the big stage in sports broadcasting. More specifically, the former New Orleans Saints quarterback and one-time NBC analyst will serve as a game analyst on Netflix's domestic broadcast this Christmas, according to The Athletic.
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Brees will be on the call for either Cowboys-Commanders or Lions-Vikings — two games slated for Netflix as part of the NFL's expanding holiday footprint.
Brees, 46, worked Netflix's international feed during last year's Christmas Day debut but was not part of the U.S. broadcast. This time, he'll have a national spotlight and another chance to prove he belongs in a top-tier booth after a rocky start to his TV career.
The NFL legend was once pegged as a potential heir to Cris Collinsworth on NBC's "Sunday Night Football," but his lone season in 2021 included uneven work on Notre Dame games and select NFL matchups alongside Mike Tirico. His last appearance for NBC came during a 2022 playoff game between the Bengals and Raiders, where his performance drew widespread criticism.
Since then, Brees has made scattered appearances, including spots with ESPN, while Fox has reportedly shown mild interest in him as a backup to Tom Brady and Greg Olsen.
CBS is producing this year's Christmas broadcasts for Netflix, opening the door for more familiar names to participate. Nate Burleson is expected to be involved again, and Matt Ryan is under consideration to join a potential three-man booth, per the report. Both currently work for CBS.
Meanwhile, other networks are reportedly tightening access. According to The Athletic, Fox and ESPN have told their NFL talent they won't be permitted to work for Netflix's broadcast, a shift from last year, when Netflix tapped a broad roster including Ian Eagle, Mina Kimes, J.J. Watt, and Olsen.
As Netflix and YouTube increasingly stake claims in the live sports space, networks appear less willing to share high-profile talent. Still, Netflix's Christmas games remain a high-visibility gig, and for Brees, a fresh opportunity to reassert himself in the booth.
