Saints QB Drew Brees Named Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is the 2010 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year.  Brees led the Saints to victory in Super Bowl XLIV earlier this year, the first championship in franchise history.

Drew Brees arrived in New Orleans at exactly the right time.  After shoulder surgery following the 2005 season, Brees left the San Diego Chargers and signed a contract with New Orleans.  The Saints took a chance on Brees that his shoulder was good enough for him to again play at a high level, and he validated that.   The city of New Orleans was recovering from Hurricane Katrina, and he became involved in hurricane recovery efforts.  As the Saints became successful on the field after decades of futility, the team became a rallying point of civic pride, culminating in the Super Bowl victory.

Drew Brees has been involved in other charitable efforts besides hurricane relief.  He founded The Brees Dream Foundation, the mission of which, according to its website, is “Advancing research in the fight against cancer and providing care, education and opportunities for children in need.”

So congratulations on the honor, Drew.  It’s nice when one of the Good Guys gets recognized.

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Tags: drew, football, new orleans saints