Netflix has secured Super Bowl-winning quarterback Drew Brees for one of its high-profile Christmas Day NFL broadcasts, marking a major move in streaming sports amid resistance from traditional broadcasters to allow them to hire talent such as Terry Bradshaw and Michael Strahan.

Brees — who led the New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl victory and retired in 2021 — will return to the booth during one of Netflix's two games on Christmas Day. Per The Athletic, he will provide domestic color commentary for either the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders game or the Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings tilt.

This will mark Brees’s second Christmas Day appearance for Netflix. Last year, he appeared on the international feed only, while CBS handled the production for U.S. viewers. Brees, who recently shared a heartbreaking secret health admission, previously worked for NBC in 2021 following his retirement but didn't continue beyond that year. Meanwhile, another Super Bowl champion has tragically died at 38.

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In addition to Brees, veteran receiver-turned-analyst Nate Burleson is expected to join the booth again, while former Falcons QB Matt Ryan is also under consideration, forming a potential three-person team.

However, Fox Sports and ESPN are reportedly blocking their marquee talents — such as Tom Brady, Terry Bradshaw, Kevin Burkhardt, Joe Buck, and Troy Aikman — from participating in Netflix’s Christmas broadcasts.

According to reports, both networks expressed reluctance to lend their star personnel, fueling speculation that high-profile voices from traditional networks won’t be heard on Netflix this season.

Netflix’s Christmas Day slate includes a prime-time doubleheader: the Cowboys vs. Commanders at 1 p.m. ET, followed by the Lions vs. Vikings at 4:30 p.m. ET.

With CBS producing the broadcast, the streamer aims to elevate the presentation using both broadcast-standard play-by-play voices and fresh commentary from analysts like Brees.

Brees brings both credibility and charisma to the booth. After his stint with NBC, he expressed a clear desire for a second chance: “I love the game. I love talking about the game. I love watching film… Nobody sees the game or can predict the game like us… Broadcasting… that’s where I think we can really provide some incredible insight.”

Netflix's ambitions in live sports are growing. The company paid more than $150 million for a three-season Christmas doubleheader deal, part of broader efforts to challenge traditional broadcasts. Last year’s broadcast featured celebrity appearances and a CBS-led production team, setting a high bar.

Critics have raised concerns. Netflix's broadcast of the Tyson–Paul fight in 2024 was plagued by technical issues, prompting executives to bolster their infrastructure ahead of the NFL debut.

Additionally, ESPN and Fox’s withholding of star announcers may affect the perceived quality compared to traditional network coverage.

Despite these hurdles, Netflix is doubling down. The streamer is assembling a mix of former players, analysts, and play-by-play veterans to create a polished alternative.

With Brees, Burleson, and possibly Matt Ryan in the mix, it aims to blend on-field insight with broadcast expertise to appeal to both casual viewers and longtime football fans.