He looked different. That’s the first thing everyone noticed when Drew Brees popped up on the screen for a guest stint on Monday Night Countdown. If you remember his time at NBC, you probably remember the "deer in the headlights" vibe. It was stiff. It was, honestly, a bit painful for a guy who spent two decades carving up NFL defenses with surgical precision.
But things changed. Recently, we saw a version of Brees that actually felt like the future Hall of Famer we know. He was loose. He was riffing with Scott Van Pelt and the crew. He didn't sound like he was reading from a teleprompter written by a corporate committee.
The Surprise Turn on Monday Night Countdown
The appearance on drew brees monday night countdown wasn't just a random cameo. It felt like a statement of intent. For a long time, the narrative was that Brees just "didn't have it" for TV. His 2022 playoff broadcast for NBC was—let’s be real—a bit of a disaster. People called him boring. They said he lacked the "it" factor that guys like Tony Romo or even the Manning brothers brought to the table.
Then he showed up on ESPN.
Sitting alongside the high-energy trio of Ryan Clark, Marcus Spears, and Jason Kelce, Brees actually held his own. He didn't try to out-shout "Big Swagu" or match Kelce’s chaotic energy. Instead, he did what he always did in New Orleans: he found the open lane. He talked about the nuances of the Dolphins' offense and how a quarterback keeps star receivers like Tyreek Hill happy when the ball isn't coming their way.
It was smart. It was authentic. Most importantly, it was comfortable.
Why the Second Chance Matters So Much
Most guys get one shot at the "Number 1" chair. Brees got his with NBC right out of the gate and, by his own admission, it didn't go the way he wanted. Usually, that’s the end of the road. You go back to New Orleans, open some more Jimmy John’s franchises, and enjoy your retirement.
But Brees clearly has a chip on his shoulder about this. He’s been vocal about wanting another crack at it. He told Front Office Sports that he thinks he can be the "absolute best" at it. That’s a bold claim when you’re competing with the likes of Tom Brady and Greg Olsen.
His guest spot on Monday Night Countdown proved that his knowledge base isn't the problem. The guy sees the field in 4D. The issue was the delivery. On the ESPN set, the "Breesy" smile was back. He wasn't afraid to crack a joke or push back on a take.
What’s Next for Brees in 2026?
If you're wondering if Brees is joining the ESPN team full-time, the answer is... sort of. As of early 2026, he’s been making the rounds. He signed on as a weekly contributor for First Take, which is a wild pivot if you think about it. Imagine a guy known for being the ultimate "pro's pro" going toe-to-toe with Stephen A. Smith.
But it’s working.
He’s also been linked to major streaming plays. He did some international work for Netflix’s Christmas games and has been popping up as a guest analyst on FOX. Basically, Brees is doing a "rehab stint" for his broadcasting career. He’s proving he can work in different formats—studio, booth, and debate.
- The Studio Factor: He seems much better in a group setting than as a solo color commentator. The chemistry on Monday Night Countdown was a huge proof of concept.
- The Netflix Connection: With streamers buying up NFL rights, there is a massive vacuum for "name" talent. Brees fits the bill perfectly for a platform like Netflix that wants a polished, global star.
- The Hall of Fame Push: With his induction on the horizon in 2026, staying in the public eye through these high-profile gigs keeps his "brand" relevant beyond just Saints fans.
The Reality of the "New" Sports Media
Broadcasting isn't what it used to be. You don't just sit in a booth and say "third and five" anymore. You have to be a personality. You have to be a "meme-able" presence.
When Brees was on the drew brees monday night countdown set, he finally leaned into that. He shared stories about the Saints huddle that felt like you were grabbing a beer with him. That’s the "Romo effect." Fans don't want a lecture; they want a backstage pass.
There's some pushback, of course. Some fans still think he’s too "corporate." And hey, maybe he’ll never have the raw, unhinged charisma of a Jason Kelce. But he doesn't need to. There’s a space for the "professor" who can explain why a play worked before the ball is even snapped.
How to Follow the Brees Comeback
If you’re a fan of #9 and want to see how this transition plays out, keep an eye on the Monday night rotation. While he isn't a permanent "desk" member like Marcus Spears, his "special contributor" status means he’s likely to pop up for the big-market games.
Also, watch his Tuesday segments on First Take. It’s a completely different vibe—much more confrontational and fast-paced. If he can survive that, he can survive anything in television.
The biggest takeaway from the drew brees monday night countdown saga is that it’s okay to fail the first time. Brees was a legendary quarterback because he obsessed over the details. He’s clearly doing the same thing with his TV career. He’s watching the film, adjusting his footwork, and looking for the open man.
🔗 Read more: Eli Manning FedEx Delivery: Why His Undercover Prank Still Matters
Actionable Insights for Following the 2026 Season:
- Watch the Chemistry: Pay attention to who Brees is paired with. He thrives with "big" personalities who take the pressure off him to be the lead entertainer.
- Check the Streaming Slates: Look for him on Netflix and Amazon Prime "special" broadcasts. These platforms are more willing to experiment with his style than traditional networks like NBC or CBS.
- Compare the "Old" Brees: If you're bored, go back and watch ten minutes of his 2022 playoff game. Then watch his 2025/2026 ESPN clips. The difference in his body language alone is a masterclass in professional growth.
Next time you see him on the Monday night set, look past the suit. You’re seeing a guy who refused to let a bad "rookie" season define his second act. That’s a Hall of Fame move if I’ve ever seen one.