Drew Brees drug tested twice after saying he might play into mid-40s

Drew Brees said Friday that he feels like he could play 10 more years. That would make the New Orleans Saints quarterback 45 years old and a 24-season veteran in his supposed final season of 2024.

In the two days since he made that statement, Brees says he has been randomly tested by the league for drugs twice.

Coincidence? Brees doesn’t think so.

He tweeted Monday morning: “On Friday I said I thought I could play til age 45. I have been ‘randomly’ selected for drug tests the last 2 days. What’s up with that! Lol”

On Friday Brees said he actually has put a lot of thought into the possibility of extending his career that long and sees no reason why he can’t, as long as he stays free of injury.

“I’m not getting ahead of myself, like it’s a pipe dream, at 45,” said Brees, who is fifth all-time in yards passing (51,081) and fourth in passing touchdowns (363). “I understand the challenges that come along with that. But why not? If I can stay healthy, and I’m having fun and playing at a high level, why wouldn’t I wanna do that?

“The biggest challenge is physically, the maintenance, the recovery, the way you train. You gotta hope that you stay healthy, but why not?”

If Brees does start a game at age 45, he would be the first NFL quarterback ever to do so (Steve DeBerg was 44 and 279 days when he started for the Atlanta Falcons in 1998).

Twitter: @chewkiii